Vilsack urges young-driver curbs

The governor asks teens to support stricter driver's license restrictions.

JONATHAN ROOS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

January 25, 2006

Gov. Tom Vilsack, along with a former legislator whose son died in a car crash, a disabled teacher and public safety experts, asked for the support of Iowa teenagers Tuesday in a campaign to toughen license restrictions for young drivers.

Proposals include stricter limits on passengers and late-night driving, and a new ban on cell phone use while driving for teens who have not yet earned unrestricted licenses.

Friends of Nick Bisignano, a Lincoln High School student killed while driving intoxicated in a December 2004 crash, looked on as Vilsack punctuated his plea with statistics showing that teen drivers pose a greater risk to themselves and others on the road than do older motorists.

"It takes time and focus and concentration to drive safely at a young age. It takes experience," said Vilsack at a press conference held in the high school auditorium.

Tony Bisignano, who served alongside Vilsack in the Iowa Senate a decade ago, said he saw his son's face in the crash statistics recited by the governor.

"The Legislature needs to answer this question . . . What percent of our youth today are we willing to sacrifice" because of political differences or the inconvenience that some of the proposed license restrictions could cause parents, Bisignano said.

Backed by highway safety advocates, Vilsack wants to strengthen a seven-year-old state law that created a three-stage licensing system for teenagers.

The governor has endorsed proposals developed by the Iowa KYDS - Keep Young Drivers Safe - Initiative. The proposals, named "Nick's Law" in honor of Nick Bisignano, include these intermediate license restrictions:

Barring teenagers from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless an adult or family member is riding with them. Under current law, teens can't drive later than 12:30 a.m. unless an adult is present.

Limiting teenage drivers to one passenger other than an adult or family member.

Prohibiting teen drivers' use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices except to contact law enforcement, fire protection or emergency services agencies.