The Gist: Soon, Georgia teens might be able to choose driver education as a high school elective, a move aimed at reducing accidents among young drivers.
Teen Drivers and School: The “Safe Teens Act” looks to make a difference. State Representative Imani Barnes from Tucker is championing this cause, turning high schools into potential hubs for road safety. Given the alarming number of motor vehicle mishaps among those aged 15 to 20, this could be a game-changer.
By The Numbers:
- Top cause of death for drivers aged 15 to 20: Motor vehicle accidents.
- What students get after completing the course: Half a unit of credit towards graduation.
In Context: The norm so far? Teens either heading to private driving schools or getting lessons from family. This act might make schools central to young driver training.
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Why It Matters: By making driver education part of the curriculum, Georgia could see fewer young drivers making grave mistakes. And with the Georgia Department of Driver Services overseeing things, the training’s quality is assured.
What’s Next?: The bill awaits its moment in the 2024 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly. It’s a waiting game now to see if Georgia’s roads get this added layer of safety.
Teen Road Fatalities: Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death among U.S. teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 2,500 teens die in car accidents per year. While this age group represents only 7% of the total U.S. population, they account for nearly 8% of total motor vehicle crash deaths.
