Michael Quinlan ’14
New regulations concerning Pennsylvania’s teenage drivers receiving their permits and licenses have been effective since December 24th, 2011. The new rules were described as “the proper tools [for our junior drivers] to be safe behind the wheel,” by Republican State Representative Katharine Watson of Bucks County, who was the first to fight for the new regulations a number of years ago. House Bill 9, more commonly referred to as “Lacey’s Law,” honoring Lacey Gallagher, a Philadelphia teen who died in a 2007 car crash, was brought to the House of Representative and passed with a 188-6 vote on September 28th. The bill was later signed by Governor Corbett on October 25th. The new restrictions rule that a driver with a junior license (under age 18) may drive only one non-family minor at a time for the first 6 months of driving. The bill also increases the required hours of behind-the-wheel training from 50 to 65 hours, which must include 10 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours in inclement weather. Requirements forcing drivers and passengers 8-18 years old to wear a seatbelt will be enforced by police officers, who are now allowed to pull over a car under suspicion that the passengers are not wearing seatbelts. Violators of this law will receive a $75 fine. 43 other states already have similar requirements. In an article published on her website, Watson said that she is “reassured that the Senate’s addition of a biannual report on how the implementation of this legislation is working will provide good statistical information to tell us if revisions need to be made [to the bill].” Governor Corbett also said, “We support this bill because we care so much for [our teen drivers].” Students in the Episcopal community have expressed frustration concerning the new teen driving laws. Alex Tillery ’13 said, “It’s not practical. What if I have to drive my two friends home from a sporting event because they don’t have a ride? Should I have to pay a ticket for that? What I am supposed to do?” Meg LeBoeuf ’13 agreed, saying, “I think that’s really stupid because it shouldn’t matter how many people you have. If you’re distracted, you’re distracted. If you’re not, you’re not. Simple as that.”