Beginners need practice Beginning drivers will face more restrictions Sept. 1 when a new state law goes fully into effect. Increasing traffic congestion, faster lifestyles that translate into faster speeds and more distractions contribute to a need for greater alertness on the part of all motorists. Those are valid reasons to address the lack of driving practice newcomers have.
State information indicates teens tend to be in more accidents at night.
They're less equipped than experienced drivers to deal with such obstacles as lower visibility, roaming animals and other drivers who've been drinking. Their nighttime collisions often occur when they're with other youths. Starting this month, the GDL system requires beginners to get 30 hours of experience before they can be issued a probationary license. On Sept. 1, they'll be required to hold a learner's permit for six months prior to applying for such a license, be prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and limited to only one passenger other than immediate family or a qualified adult. Stiffer penalties for traffic violations also take effect in September.