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In a report released December 1, 2016, the National Safety Council (NSC) and TIRF (Traffic Injury Research Foundation) outlined a blueprint for all states to reduce teen driver car crashes, the leading cause of death for that age group. The GDL (graduated driver license) implementation strategy detailed in the report, A New GDL Framework: Planning for the Future, shakes up the traditional learning-to-drive process. 

Specifically, NSC and TIRF are calling for a three-step, multi-year licensing system that applies to all new drivers younger than 21 rather than only drivers age 18 or younger. Recommended requirements include mandatory in-vehicle  technology to track practice hours, a full-year ban on carrying passengers, driving at night, decals to aid identification and on-going driver's education classes. Parents would also be required to spend at least 50 hours supervising their teens. 

Graduated licensing has been enacted in all states and the District of Columbia to address the problem of new-driver teens’ high risk behavior. It is believed that by using this GDL program, it will give young drivers more time to learn the complex skills required to operate a vehicle under less risky circumstances.  

TIRF reported in 2014 that novice drivers, especially young ones, have a heightened risk of collision compared to older, experienced drivers. In the United States, young and novice drivers aged 16-19 had a fatal crash risk that was approximately three times that of drivers aged 20 and older in 2012. Furthermore, this risk was found to be the highest among drivers aged 16-17, the age at which many teenagers are driving independently for the first time. Immaturity and inexperience are primary factors contributing to these deadly crashes. The leading high-risk behaviors when behind the wheel are driving at nighttime, driving after drinking any amount of alcohol, and driving distracted by teenage passengers and electronic devices. 

Although GDL laws vary from state to state, they all consist of three stages which are identified by the type of license, provisions and restrictions. New drivers 15 to 18 years old must demonstrate responsible driving behavior during each stage of licensing before advancing to the next level, according to Safercar.org. 

Effectiveness of graduated licensing 

The Insurance Industry for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that the United States does not have a national GDL law, but state lawmakers decide what provisions to adopt and how to enforce them. It is reported that graduated licensing has reduced teen crashes 10-30 percent on average. 

When GDL laws are combined with mandatory seatbelt laws and require the loss of a driver’s license as a penalty for possession or use of alcohol by youth aged 20 or younger, the greatest reductions were seen, according to the National Institute of Health. 

How do the NSC/TIRF recommendations compare to Florida’s GDL law? 

Florida’s law does have three stages, but does not as yet have the more stringent requirements listed in A New GDL Framework: Planning for the Future. Below are the current GDL requirements: 

Learner’s License - Teens must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Learner’s License. They must have completed a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Course, pass a written test, vision test, hearing test and have a signed Parental Consent Form. With a Learner's License, a teen can only drive during daylight hours during the first three months and until 10 p.m. thereafter, always with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat. 

Intermediate License - To earn an Intermediate License, teens must be at least 16 years old and have held a Learner’s License for at least one year without any traffic convictions. Once teens obtain an Intermediate License their driving privileges are based on their age. 

16 years old

• Driving is allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• All other times the teen must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old occupying the closest seat to the right of the driver, or be traveling to or from work.

17 years old

• Driving is allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.
• All other times the teen must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old occupying the closest seat to the right of the driver, or be traveling to or from work. 

Full Privilege License

When teens turn 18, restrictions are removed from their license. Then they have a full privilege license. 

“We, at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., have seen the devastation caused by vehicle accidents. Accidents involving new drivers can be particularly difficult. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident as the result of another driver’s actions, please contact our Fort Myers Injury Law Firm for assistance,” said Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Injury Law Firm Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.