posted 08-23-2005 10:40 AM         

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Lawmakers passed a new set of traffic laws that take effect Sept. 1. At least three of the laws, designed to improve roadway safety, affect drivers younger than 21 for the first six months they have a driver's license.

Beginning next week, drivers younger than 21 will not be allowed to talk on cellular telephones while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

Younger drivers also will be prohibited from carrying more than one passenger who is younger than 21 and not related to the driver.

Jeff McGrew, an 18-year-old student at Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth, recently received his driver's license. He said some of his friends depend on other drivers because they don't have a vehicle.

"Carpooling saves gas," he said. "Some people don't have cars, so they should be able to ride with other people."

Another law prohibits drivers younger than 21 from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are driving for work.

One Fort Worth police officer said the new laws should make roads safer for all drivers by removing distractions from younger drivers.

"The attention span and attentiveness to their business, and learning the rules of the road and watching over the traffic -- it's an acquired capability and ability to avoid accidents," Lt. Gary Gray said.

Some younger drivers also said they support the limits placed on driving while using a cell phone.

"Talking on your cell phone distracts you, and you have accidents," said Shelina Alexander, a junior in high school.

Police, however, said the new cell-phone law could be difficult to enforce because drivers younger than 21 must be stopped for a separate violation before they can be cited for using a cell phone while driving.

posted 08-23-2005 11:44 AM         

The only two wrecks I've ever had (that were my fault) were in my first year of driving. The same for my wife.
We are in the third year of under 18 driving restrictions in NC and accidents are down in this age group. I have a friend who is basically second in command of the NC Hwy. Patrol, and he thinks it's great.

On the other hand I have some problems with restricting someone who can enlist in a branch of the arm forces and die for their country. They are willing to pay the ultimate price, but can have their driving priviledges restricted?

posted 08-23-2005 02:19 PM         

A lot of parents here have the same kind of rules - no phones, no riders, no late night driving, local driving only, for the first 6 months after getting a license. Some parents have pulled the stereo, too. Chronic offenders have had Dad pull the passenger seats, if needed.

I think if you can get them through the first 6 to 12 months accident-free, they usually have enough close calls to make them more responsible after that.

posted 08-23-2005 03:04 PM         

What if you decide to go to the store and grab something? Now you can get a ticket for it? Come on! I just don't think it's right.

I think restrictions up to age 18 are ok, but not 21.

posted 08-23-2005 03:13 PM         

Let's face it,,,times have changed since most of us were kids. Many kids today just don't have the responsibility thought planted in their brain. Mostly,,,I blame the parents! OK,,I'm ready to take some flak for saying that:

posted 08-23-2005 03:39 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by halicat:

now when I was young there were 30 of us livin in a paper bag, in a septic tank...

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You lived that well off??? Should have spent my first five years with me,,,,,a septic tank would have been considered a luxury

posted 08-23-2005 04:47 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by halicat:

now when I was young there were 30 of us livin in a paper bag, in a septic tank...

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and they don't believe you !!

back in the old days, you didn't mess around or the old man would kick your butt...
cars are faster now and most don't have the protection the old horses had...and when the kids get in doo doo... the laws don't do the job...
a toyota hit the back quarter pannel of my old 64 Riveria...I pushed the dent out from inside the trunk.. good as new...
The Toy was wasted.... grill knocked out, hood buckled, bumper on the ground, headight broken, fender smashed ....tow truck hauled it away.

Einstein Sleeper dude wouldn't be lovin his Civic if he met up with an H3....
by the sounds of it... it will be a lesson learned the hard way..
big ego, small brain, no common sense... 1,2,3.. your out !