Tougher driver’s training sought for teenagers

Erica D. Johnson

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002 | 9:11 a.m.

Stringent behind-the-wheel training is the only way teen drivers will be prepared when they hit Las Vegas Valley roadways for the first time, members of a committee on teenage driving said Wednesday.

The Teenage Drivers Public Forum, made up of local activists, law enforcement agents and parents, said local teens are not adequately prepared when they get their licenses.

Members discussed ways to provide behind-the-wheel training to all teens who apply for a license.

They decided to write down funding ideas and present them at the next meeting, scheduled for Jan. 15. The committee's first meeting was in October.

Members plan to bring their final ideas to the 2003 Legislature when it convenes in February.

"We all agree that we need to look at behind-the-wheel training that's cost-effective to the parent," John Phillips, owner of Drive Friendly Driving School, said. "Now we need to think of innovative ways of where this money is going to come from."

The meeting came on the heels of a recent recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board that Nevada and 13 other states beef up graduated licensing laws for teens.

The recommendation would prevent new drivers from driving with more than one passenger under the age of 20 for six months.

Activists who attended Wednesday's meeting said they hope the recommendation, along with the ideas garnered at the meeting, will result in tougher teen driving laws.

"I think this committee can have a real impact," Lisa Foster, AAA spokeswoman, said. "There have only been a few voices heard in the Legislature on teen driving in the past. With some of the high-profile, awful crashes here in Las Vegas, I think this committee's voice could be heard."

Drivers ages 15 to 24 are 20 times more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents, according to Drivers Edge, a program that provides behind the wheel training for teen drivers.

Drivers ages 15 to 24 also account for more than 25 percent of all auto-related fatalities.

Some committee members said the gap between the Department of Motor Vehicles requirements and affordable driving lessons is resulting in an increase of fatalities on Las Vegas Valley roadways.

The DMV requires novice drivers to have 30 hours of behind the wheel training, but committee members said many parents think the cost of private lessons, about $30 to $50 per hour, is too high.

Serene Wright, whose daughter witnessed the May crash that claimed the lives of two Las Vegas High School students, said the responsibility to teach teens how to drive lies with parents.

"Whatever it costs for private lessons, my daughter's life is worth so much more than that," she said. "We keep putting it on the schools, but maybe it needs to come back to the parents."

The Clark County School District is one of few school districts in the country that offers but doesn't require driver's education.

About six of 31 high schools have a driver's education program, Phillips said.

California's driver's education program has greatly reduced fatalities involving youth, Chris Palma, Nevada Highway Patrol investigator, said.

"Growing up in San Diego, I knew I'd have to pay $75 for three days of driver's education," he said. "That was my motivation to cut more lawns because I wanted to get my license."

While the DMV allows students to take distance learning courses via the television or Internet, Wright said that's not enough.

"I sure am glad our commercial airline pilots can't get their training on television," Wright said. "We need to train our children. When my daughter turned 16 it was my responsibility to teach her how to drive."

Some committee members said students aren't even aware of local licensing requirements for teens.

They suggested bulletin boards be put in area high schools with information from the DMV on obtaining a driver's license.

Brian Lacey, DMV compliance enforcement agent, said information packets are readily available at all DMVs and online.

The committee also considered providing public service announcements on radio stations telling teens what they need to do to prepare for their license.

The committee met Wednesday at the Stop DUI building, 3221 E. Sunrise Ave. near Pecos Road and Charleston Blvd.