Legislation : Graduated Drivers Licensing Resolution

Whereas we recognize that North Dakota’s novice drivers are at increased risk of injury and death in motor vehicle crashes and the current licensing system does not include an intermediate phase to create better and more experienced drivers; 

Whereas one hundred and one (101) teenagers died in motor vehicle crashes in North Dakota between 2005 and 2009;

Whereas in crashes involving a 15- to 17-year-old driver in ND, more than half of all fatalities are someone other than the teen driver (passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists);

Whereas high school age drivers are twice as likely to die in a car crash in the few hours before midnight than when driving during the daytime;

Whereas other states that have adopted a graduated drivers license system which incorporates a 12 month permit phase have seen up to a 39% decrease in crashes involving 16-year-olds;

Whereas the risk of death among teen drivers more than doubles when there are two teen passengers and triples when there are three teen passengers; and

Whereas as young drivers gain practical experience they are better equipped to manage risks;

Now Therefore be it Resolved that the North Dakota Public Health Association supports the efforts of the North Dakota’s Coalition for Graduated Drivers Licensing to encourage the adoption of a graduated drivers licensing system to include:

• A twelve-month permit phase during which the novice driver will experience all seasons, road types and most driving conditions while under adult supervision.
• A minimum six-month intermediate phase during which the driver will be allowed driving privileges during the hours of 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., with exceptions for returning from a school event, church activity and work.
• A restriction to one teen passenger in the vehicle during the intermediate phase.

Adopted this 14th day of December 2010

North Dakota Public Health Association