Rep. Jayne touts benefits of graduated driver's license

Attention teen drivers. Your world is about to change with the passage of the graduated driver's license bill.

According to Senate Bill 104, passed in April, the graduated driver's license program will "allow persons under 18 years of age to progressively develop their driving skills in the safest possible environment."

The bill will place restrictions on new drivers in an effort to improve highway safety and reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents involving minors.

Rep. Joey Jayne, from Arlee, recently briefed Arlee High School students last month and Ronan high school students on Tuesday on the new bill, and explained to them that there will be restrictions and certain stipulations that they'd have to adhere to in order to maintain their driving privileges.

"This is the age group where a lot of accidents happen," Jayne said.

Jayne explained that some students were less than enthused about the new bill.

"A lot of them were like 'Oh my gosh!'" said Jane. "A lot of them have an interest in getting their license before the bill goes into effect [in 2006]."

Of the biggest changes to the licensing process, the graduated driver's license program will require students to have 50 hours of driving experience with 10 hours at night before they are issued a license, as opposed to six hours minimum requirement in a driving course, Jayne said.

On an honor system, a parent or legal guardian will have to vouch for the student with a written submission explaining that the student is insured and has at least 50 hours of driving experience, Jayne said.

Once the license is granted, the driver is on a year-long probation. During this probation, a driver is subject to numerous restrictions including but not limited to: No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.; for the first six months, a driver may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger who is under 18; for the second six months, a driver may not operate a motor vehicle with more than three passengers who are under 18 and seat belts must be worn at all times by everyone in motor vehicle.

There are exceptions to all of these restrictions. For example, a student athlete who arrives back at school after an away game won't get in trouble for driving home past 11 p.m., or working late. But teens will have to have a valid excuse.

People convicted of violating their restricted driving privileges could perform more than 60 hours of community service. A second or subsequent offense will result in a six month suspension.

"The purpose of this is so new drivers don't pile up a bunch of passengers," Jayne said.

Jayne, who voted on the bill, is glad Montana adopted the graduated driver's license program.

"It didn't get overwhelming support," Jayne said.

According to Jayne, Montana is the one of the last states to pass such a law.

"I think it is raising awareness of young adults driving," Jayne said. "It should result in better driving habits for students, their families and other drivers on the highway."

Jayne isn't the only one who is confident that the new program will lessen accidents among the 15 to 20 age group.

"There is no telling what good this will do, but I do know we live on one of the deadliest highways in the U.S.," said Polson High School resource officer Lance Ewers. "Anything we do will surely help."

Ewers referred to a conversation he overheard when a student complained about getting a speeding ticket. He said that just like speeding tickets, this new program will raise awareness among young drivers.

"Anything we can do to help keep kids safe is a good idea," Ewers said.