By Ryan Morden
Oswego, NY – Teenagers looking to get their driver's licenses will have to fulfill tougher requirements starting today.
The new graduated licensing system bans teens from using any portable electronic devices, reduces the number of non-family passengers from two to one and increases mandatory in-car practice from 20 to 50 hours of supervised driving. Teens under the age of 18 are also required to hold a learner's permit for six months before obtaining a license.
Diana Dibble, with AAA, said the new system is aimed at discouraging distracts driving and improving safety.
"We do know in other states that have a comprehensive graduated driver licensing system there has been a reduction in fatalities. Really, it's all about providing a more controlled learning environment for teens and easing them into the licensing process. If we can save a life certainly any change in the law is well worth it," said Dibble.
Dibble said other states with strict laws have experienced 38 percent fewer fatal crashes involving teens.
Gov. David Paterson signed the new licensing system into law in August of last year.