Limits on teen driving lose again

Erin Neff

Thursday, April 19, 2001 | 11:04 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Barbara Cegavske said she was "bewildered" by her Assembly colleagues' narrow defeat Wednesday of her proposed graduated driver's license system.

Although statistics in 43 states and the District of Columbia show marked decreases in teen accident rates after such programs were instituted, Cegavske watched in shock as her bill died for the second straight session.

"I think we have a responsibility to make sure our roads are safe," said Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, after the vote. "They're killing themselves on our roads because they don't have the training and experience."

Cegavske's proposal, Assembly Bill 8, would have created a graduated system, allowing teens to get a "provisional" license after completing the state-required 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

The teen would be able to get the provisional license at age 16, but would be unable to drive with anyone under 21 -- except for family members -- for the first four months of that period.

The provisional period would last until the driver turns 18.

The vote on the bill was 21-20, just one shy of the constitutional majority needed to pass the measure on to the Senate. David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas, was absent.

A similar measure was killed during the 1999 session.

Opponents expressed concern about infringing on parental rights and limiting access to driver's licenses in rural counties where the privilege plays a significant role on family farms and in other operations.

"Do we ask the government to impose restrictions on our teen drivers, or do we ask parents?" asked Bonnie Parnell, D-Carson City.

John Carpenter, R-Elko, said he believed the bill imposed too many restrictions. "A lot of parents depend on their children to get a driver's license," Carpenter said.

Supporters simply said the measure would save lives.

"One of the things we've become very good at is counting bodies," said Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas.

Added Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick: "Parents already exercise parental discretion and teens die."

Those voting no were: Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks; Carpenter; Vonne Chowning, D-North Las Vegas; Marcia de Braga, D-Fallon; Joe Dini, D-Yerington; Sheila Leslie, D-Reno; Roy Neighbors, D-Tonopah, Parnell and Richard Perkins, D-Henderson.

Also voting no were: Morse Arberry Jr., Doug Bache, Barbara Buckley, Jerry Claborn, Chris Giunchigliani, Ellen Koivisto, Mark Manendo, Kathy McClain, John Oceguera, Genie Ohrenschall and Wendell Williams, all D-Las Vegas.