Pennsylvania passes teen driving bill

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania lawmakers have passed legislation that would set Graduated Driver Licensing restrictions for the state's teen drivers.

The bill, awaiting signature from Gov. Tom Corbett (R), would limit teen drivers to one non-family passenger for the first six months after receiving a junior license. Teens also would not be able to transport more than three non-family passengers until age 18.

The bill states that teens must spend 65 hours behind the wheel before they receive a driver's license – an increase from 50 hours. Teens also would need to drive at least 10 hours at night and five hours during inclement weather before being licensed.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An average of eight teens 16-19 years old died every day from motor vehicle injuries during 2009.