New Jersey Graduated Driver's License Celebrates 10 Years
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBSNewYork / AP) - The number of fatal motor vehicle accidents involving teenagers is down over 40 percent since New Jersey's Graduated Driver's License began ten years ago.
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Officials on Thursday marked the 10th anniversary of the law during a ceremony at Freehold Township High School.
"Without a doubt the GDL program has helped to reduce car crashes, which is, of course, the number one killer of teens in New Jersey," said Gary Poedubicky, acting director of the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety, told WCBS 880 reporter Levon Putney.
Thirty-three teens died in crashes last year, the lowest death toll since the law began in 2001.
The law restricts when teen motorists can drive, limits the number of passengers and restricts the use of electronic devices.
Young motorists must display a red decal to make it easier for police to enforce the law.
Advocates also want to require parents and teens to attend a GDL orientation class and have more supervised practice driving.
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