Legislature(1995 - 1996)
05/02/1996 11:30 AM Senate FIN
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HOUSE BILL NO. 57
An Act relating to driver's licensing; and providing
for an effective date.
MELINDA GRUENING, aide to Representative Joe Green, came
before committee. She explained that the intent of the bill
is to establish a graduated driver's licencing system. At
the present time, individuals 18 to 20 years old constitute
6.2 percent of all Alaskan drivers but account for 13.9
percent of the accidents and 28 percent of fatal crashes.
Among this age group, a large majority of the accidents
occur in the early hours of the morning. Teens are twice as
likely to be involved in fatal crashes as adults.
The intent of the legislation is to ease a young driver,
under controlled conditions, into the driving environment by
increasing the amount of behind-the-wheel driving practice,
increasing exposure to progressively more difficult driving
experiences, and requiring them to earn full driving
privileges by demonstrating a safe and responsible driving
record.
The proposed bill would establish a graduated system whereby
a 14-year old may apply for a learner permit. At age 16,
providing a driver has held a permit for at least six
months, he or she could be graduated to a provisional
license. The provisional license would restrict nighttime
driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., with an exception
for driving to and from work.
The other difference between an unrestricted license and a
provisional license is that the licensee is only allowed to
accumulate 8 points in a 12-month period rather than the 12
points allowed for an unrestricted license. If the holder
of a provisional license demonstrates a safe driving record
in the one-year provisional period, an unrestricted license
can be awarded.
Thirteen states presently have laws that limit teenagers
from operating motor vehicles during late evening or early
morning hours. Studies show that nighttime restrictions
significantly reduce accidents.
HB 57 is designed to allow the Dept. of Public Safety to
take advantage of new federal funding to implement the
legislation. Federal law passed in 1993 established
monetary incentives for states that implement programs for
young drivers. That federal funding is reflected in the
fiscal note.
Ms. Gruening next attested to wide support for the bill.
She further advised of changes to the bill as it progressed
through the Senate. The original bill covered novice
drivers 16 through 21. It now covers ages 14 through 17.
The House bill was limited to 6 points. Senate committees
increased the number to 8.
In response to a question from Senator Sharp, JUANITA
HENSLEY, Chief, Driver Services, Division of Motor Vehicles,
Dept. of Public Safety, again came before committee. She
said there is presently no requirement that an individual
have an instruction permit between the ages of 14 and 16.
The proposed bill requires the permit for at least six
months prior to application for a provisional license at 16.
The instruction permit would require the teen to drive with
a person 25 years or older. At 16 the teen could obtain a
one-year provisional license with curfew restrictions. On
the teen's 17th birthday, he or she could get an
unrestricted license.
Discussion of curfews followed between Mrs. Hensley and
Senator Randy Phillips. Mrs. Hensley stressed that the
intent is not to restrict young people but to save lives and
provide teenagers some behind-the-wheel training. She
further commented on the lack of driving experience
associated with the prom night accident on the Kenai. A
national survey indicates 74 percent of the parents surveyed
support a curfew.
Mrs. Hensley noted that, in Alaska, the average cost of
hospitalization for a crash involving teenagers is
$18,000.00. That does not include doctor fees and the cost
of rehabilitation.
Co-chairman Frank referenced a note from Co-chairman Halford
indicating interest in effecting a change in the age (from
25 to 19) of the driver that must accompany a teenager
utilizing an instructional permit. Mrs. Hensley said that
21 is the limit under the federal incentive program. She
further attested to the fact that Alaska applied for and was
awarded a $77.0 grant. The proposed bill would allow the
state to receive the funds to implement a graduated license
program. The model program for a graduated license provides
a range of 21 to 25. Representative Green selected 25 since
that is the age at which insurance breaks occur. Co-
chairman Frank expressed a preference for 22 since that is
the age at which most individuals graduate from college.
Senator Randy Phillips MOVED to change the age set forth on
Page 2, line 2, from 25 to 22. No objection having been
raised, the Amendment was ADOPTED.
Brief discussion followed regarding application of the
foregoing amendment to SCSHB 57 (Jud) or a draft SCSHB 57
(9-LS0269\K, Ford, 4/26/96). Senator Rieger voiced his
understanding that the draft removes the nighttime
restrictions. Senator Sharp expressed a reluctance to make
that change. Mrs. Hensley voiced department support for
SCSHB 57 (Jud), noting that nighttime provisions (Page 2,
lines 19 through 27) would allow young people to drive at
night when going to and from employment. REPRESENTATIVE JOE
GREEN reiterated that teenagers have the most driving
accidents between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Those four hours
are the wrong time to be out driving.
Co-chairman Frank advised of his understanding that Co-
chairman Halford preferred removal of the curfew restriction
per the draft committee substitute. He then directed that
the bill be held pending comments from the Co-chairman.
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