National Safety Council Praises West Virginia for New Teen Driving Law

ITASCA, Ill., May 8, 2009 West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin today signed a graduated driver licensing (GDL) law that puts the state among the nation's leaders for its protection of teen drivers, their passengers and those who share the roads with them. The National Safety Council praises Gov. Manchin, Senator Dan Foster (D - Kanawha), the bill's sponsor, and other legislators who supported the bill to strengthen the state's existing GDL laws. Senator Foster, a tireless supporter of GDL laws, based his bill on the NSC's GDL model that includes:

  --  A minimum 6-month learner's permit,
  --  Required use of seat belts,
  --  Zero tolerance for alcohol use,
  --  A nighttime driving restriction that begins at 10 p.m.,
  --  A passenger restriction with zero passengers for the first six months
      of licensure, and
  --  A ban on all wireless device use while driving.

"West Virginia's new law pushes it to the forefront of states with comprehensive systems for protecting young drivers' lives," said Janet Froetscher, NSC President & CEO. "The National Safety Council praises Gov. Manchin, Senator Foster and West Virginia's legislators and the parents and others who backed this bill and helped ensure its passage. We estimate the new law will reduce teen deaths in the state by 20 to 30 percent."