Bad Behavior Means Delayed Driver’s License for Teens
Repeating the theme that prevention is the best teen crisis intervention, a new law in Alabama goes a long way towards making a teenager think long and hard about the consequences of unruly behavior or illegal activities.
The bill, introduced this week, will make when a teenager gets a driver’s license contingent upon his behavior at school from the age of 13.
“A bill has been introduced in the Legislature that would take into account a student’s disciplinary record when he or she applies for a driver’s permit or license. The more points accumulated on the disciplinary record, the longer the student will wait to get a permit or license.
Schools would begin keeping track of disciplinary infractions when students turn 13. Each point accumulated would delay by one week the time a student may apply for a permit or license.
Known as Taylor’s Law, the bill would use an existing state tracking system for student disciplinary records to keep tabs on who’s been good and who hasn’t been good.”
Introduction of the bill, a refinement of an earlier bill introduced in 2004, was due, in part, to the death of a 42 year old father of two. He was struck by a drunk 19 year old plowing along at 85 mph.
It is a wonderful lesson in cause and effect, all the more effective given that teens prize driving privileges very highly.
Relevant Tags:cause and effect, crisis intervention, teenager, teen crisis, unruly behavior” Driving is a privilege granted by the state, not a right, and those who wish to obtain a permit to learn to drive or a license must pass written and practical tests. If Taylor’s Law is enacted by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Bob Riley (he supports the act) students will have a new standard of behavior to live up to.
Already, teenagers in Alabama must be enrolled in school to apply for a permit or a driver’s license.”
(Source)
