New license restrictions aimed at making teens better drivers

Friday, July 14th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A new law designed to make teen-agers safer drivers by giving them more experience behind the wheel before they drive on their own will soon be in effect. Some Oklahoma safety experts see the graduated driver's license as a way to reduce costly and sometimes fatal accidents involving young drivers. The new law goes into effect August 15th.

The American Automobile Association says teen-agers represent about seven percent of drivers but are involved in about 14 percent of all fatal crashes in America. The law establishes a series of requirements teen-agers must meet before they can receive an unrestricted driver's license. It is designed to encourage students to take driver's education courses before getting behind the wheel. Authorities hope the new law will help revitalize an anemic driver education system.