July 27, 2009
Press Release
Community Parent Center Director Wendy Tepfer Supports Schumer's Bill to Provide Grants for Free Continuing Teen Driver Education Programs
Wendy Tepfer, Director, Community Parent Center, has announced her support for a bill proposed by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer that provides federal grants to establish free continuing driver's education programs for teen drivers at municipalities, police departments, colleges and community organizations.
As a way to reduce teen driving fatalities, Sen. Schumer announced on July 22 that he would introduce legislation to create a grant program through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish free continuing driver's education classes at local governments, police departments, colleges and other community organizations. These free classes would be aimed at teenagers who already have their driver's license, but could still benefit from additional instruction. Classes would not be required, but would rather serve as a resource for parents, teachers and teenagers. The curriculum would be created by the U.S. DOT and would consist of both driving and classroom instruction.
The reason for the legislation, according to Sen. Schumer's office, is to reduce the number of teen driving fatalities as the result of drunk driving, speeding and lack of experience. In the U.S., more than 5,000 drivers ages 16-20 die in car crashes each year, and another 400,000 drivers were seriously injured.
"I strongly support Senator Schumer's efforts to help reduce the number of teen fatalities, especially here in New York State and on Long Island," Ms. Tepfer said. "Any measure that teaches teenagers not to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, playing with the radio or text messaging and talking on the cell phone with their friends is laudable."
Sen. Schumer's proposed legislation would also create a grant program that would allow colleges, municipalities, public safety organizations and high schools apply for funding to create classes based on the U.S. DOT's curriculum. Ms. Tepfer believes this would be beneficial for schools and colleges which have recently faced budget cuts due to the recent economy, forcing them to cut back on certain services and programs.
"This is a very sensible solution proposed by the senator," Ms. Tepfer said. "The grant funding will definitely help sustain these vital programs. These teenagers need to be made aware of the hazards that they face when they first get behind the wheel."
