EnCompass®
The AAA Companion

President's Message

Teen passenger restriction bill becomes law

Tony DeNovellis President and CEO

After the hard work of many legislators, members of the Teen Driving Coalition, parents, teens, and other concerned citizens including more than 6,000 members who expressed support, SB-036, "The Minor Passenger Restrictions" bill successfully passed through the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Bill Owens on April 21, 2005.

I would like to extend a personal thank you to Senator Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora, and Representative Mike May, R-Parker, for their unrelenting support and hard worked to get the votes needed to pass a reasonable, strong teen passenger restriction bill.

In addition, I'd like to acknowledge the courage and efforts of the parents and friends of Caitlyn Craig-McLeod, Brian Ellsworth, Michael Heykoop and Cameron Taylor Elliot, four teens killed by teen drivers between 2003 and 2004. By sharing their stories of loss, they inspired others to join in this cause. Through their personal loss has come a personal triumph.

Most of all, I would like to thank AAA members who took the time to voice support for this effort. AAA members spoke loud and clear about the need for this law through several AAA polls and surveys during the summer and fall of 2004. Your voice is what captured the attention of Coalition partners, the media and Colorado legislators, and was the catalyst behind this entire effort.

This bill adds the last critical element to the comprehensive graduated drivers' licensing system for new teen drivers in the state of Colorado . In states that have had this provision as law, there has been a reduction of up to 23% of teens involvement in crashes and fatalities involving 16- and 17-year- olds.

The teen passenger restriction bill will be in effect starting July 1, 2005. Parents will now have an additional tool to help guide their teens, whether as a driver or a passenger, during this critical time of learning how to become a safe driver.

In addition, the Coalition is also working on an educational outreach campaign to get posters in all high schools and the Department of Motor Vehicle licensing offices, and an informational booklet and website for parents and teens will be available by July 1, 2005.

If you would like more up-to-the-minute information about the Teen Driving Coalition activities, details about Colorado 's graduated drivers licensing system and other websites available for parents and teens, go to www.aaa.com/teens.

Tony DeNovellis
President and CEO