CHIAPPONE SAYS TEEN DRIVER STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS PUT NEW JERSEY ON FAST TRACK OF ROAD SAFETY

CHIAPPONE SAYS TEEN DRIVER STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS PUT NEW JERSEY ON FAST TRACK OF ROAD SAFETY

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone backed recommendations of the final report of New Jersey's Teen Driver Study Commission, saying their speedy implementation would help put New Jersey on the fast track of road safety.

Chiappone (D-Bayonne) was appointed to the Commission by Speaker Joseph J. Roberts.

The Commission's 47 recommendations include teen drivers being required to attach a bright decal to their cars to help police identify them. It also would require all passengers to wear seat belts and impose tougher sanctions against teen drivers exceeding passenger limits.

The economic cost of auto accidents involving 15-20 year olds is estimated at a staggering $40 billion, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Assemblyman Chiappone issued the following statement:

"Traffic accidents are the number one killer of teenagers in the U.S. The safety measures recommended by the Teen Driver Study Commission would help slam the brakes on teen fatalities and make our roads safer for all motorists.

"Studies have reported that the emotional state of our youth makes them more prone to distractions behind the wheel than other drivers.

"While it is the responsibility of our youth to be careful when they get behind the wheel, it is incumbent upon us to steer them in a safer direction by enacting laws that help make that happen.

"New Jersey has a track record of increasing traffic safety with progressive legislation.

"We must move forward to enact into law the recommendations of the Teen Driver Study Commission to save lives and make our roads safer."

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