Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for March 11, 2008 BE AFRAID...

...be VERY afraid!

Proposed Law Allows 14-Year-Old Drivers

By: Wes Wallace

ANNA, Ill. - Only a few months after toughening up Illinois teen driving laws, some lawmakers want to put the brakes on those changes.

A proposal in the House would lower the permit age to 14. The state representative pushing the bill says it'll give teens in Illinois more time to learn the rules of the road before they get a license and drive on their own.

At 15, Alyssa Helton got her learner's permit and completed driver's ed at Anna Jonesboro High School.

"My parents helped me before class, but here I learned how to up and down park, and found out about the new laws going into effect," said Helton. She thinks more time could help, but isn't so sure all 14 year olds could handle the pressure.

"A lot of kids aren't mature, and could do bad things on the road," said 14-year old Brady Carter. Even so, he'd still love a chance to drive now, rather than waiting till his 15th birthday.

Driving instructor David Sullivan isn't so sure. "I'm still ok with them getting a permit at 15, but I think there needs to be more restrictions, and they should wait till they turn 17 or 18."

Sullivan explains students need plenty of practice before getting their license, but lowering the age limit isn't the answer.