National Teen Driver Safety Week

State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, is highlighting how his Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law has made Illinois’ roads safer in recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week.

“In 2005, IDOT reported 179 teen driving fatalities. It was devastating to see so many young lives lost to reckless driving,” D’Amico said. “I am working to keep our young drivers and our roads safe by updating our laws and instituting the Graduated Driver License program, which helps make sure we have responsible, experienced drivers on our roads. This year, IDOT has reported that teen driving fatalities are down nearly 60 percent.”

In response to alarming figures for teen driving fatalities, D’Amico fought to pass more training requirements for teens by increasing the number of hours that student drivers are required to log behind the wheel with a parent from 25 hours to 50 hours, 10 of which must be done by night. D’Amico’s success led to the creation of the Teen Driver Safety Task Force. This task force produced ground-breaking legislation that included the Graduated Driver License program, enacted in 2008, which gives teen drivers more driving privileges as a reward for following safe driving practices and obeying restrictions. D’Amico’s legislation also requires a longer learner’s permit phase, tightened restrictions on nighttime driving, raised the required number of hours spent driving with a certified instructor and restricts the number of teen passengers.

A year after the GDL program, D’Amico passed legislation to ban texting while driving. This year, D’Amico has led the way to expand the use of Breath Alcohol Interlock Ignition Devices, proven to reduce repeat DWI offenses by about 70 percent while installed, according to the Center for Disease Control.

“I commend Rep. D’Amico for his leadership in the Legislature on the issue of teen driving safety,” said Secretary of State Jesse White. “Rep. D’Amico served as a member of the Teen Driver Safety Task Force, which developed the provisions that make up our state’s GDL program.”

“The decrease in teen driving fatalities is significant, but there is always more work to be done,” D’Amico said. “I will continue to help young drivers learn safe practices and help protect lives on our roads.”

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