Novice drivers could have fewer young riders
DIANNE WHITACRE
Staff Writer - The Charlotte Observer

Beginning drivers could have only one passenger younger than 21 if the N.C. legislature approves a bill proposed by two Charlotte-area lawmakers.

The restriction would apply to teen-agers who have just been permitted by law to drive without a parent in the car. Most would be 16 years old and in Level 2 of the graduated driver's license program. Those driving with a parent would be exempt.

The limitation would continue for six months. Violators would lose their license.

South Carolina limits similar drivers to two passengers younger than 21. However, it allows teens to drive family members or students to and from school.

Studies show that a novice N.C. driver with two or more young passengers is more than twice as likely to be in a serious or fatal crash as one driving alone.

State safety officials will announce plans for the proposed legislation today in Hickory. Sen. Austin Allran, a Hickory Republican, and Rep. Debbie Clary, a Republican from Cherryville, will introduce the bill, prompted by teen-age fatalities in the southern Piedmont.

If approved, the measure would be the state's second major effort to reduce teen deaths.

In 1997, North Carolina became the second state to adopt a graduated driver's license law for teens. Since then, its fatal crash rate for 16-year-old drivers has fallen 61 percent.

That law requires novice drivers to get more supervised practice and prohibits late-night driving. The passenger rule would add another restriction to that law.

"Sometimes passengers will encourage the driver to do stupid things, but more often they are simply a distraction," said Rob Foss, a researcher at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center.

Justine Horning, a 16-year-old sophomore at Butler High School in Matthews, said it's a tradition to have several passengers. "It would make it hard for us to meet up and hang out together," she said. "I don't think people would like it." But she said it is a law she could live with.

Allran said he decided to push for passenger restrictions after four teen-agers died in a Hickory crash last year when a new driver lost control while speeding.

One of those killed was 16-year-old Robin Rollins. Her parents, Philip and Linda Rollins of Hickory, will be pressing legislators for approval.

"Our rule was, she was not to ride with a student. She broke that rule and thought she would just get fussed at," said Linda Rollins. "She took a chance and she lost her life."

Teens won't like the added restriction, Linda Rollins said, but having fewer passengers will let the driver focus on driving. "We have to protect them."

Allran doubts the bill will be voted on because legislators are consumed with the budget and redistricting. If not, he'll try again. Clary, however, said the law would cost taxpayers nothing. "It will pass, and it will save lives," she said.