Connecticut Says Tougher Teen Driving Rules Save Lives

State officials say Connecticut’s tough new restrictions on teenage drivers are saving lives.

There were six fatal crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers in 2009, the lowest in 12 years.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell created a task force on teen driving following several high-profile tragedies.

The commission issued recommendations for more stringent laws and state lawmakers passed the new requirements in 2008.

They included moving back the driving curfew to 11 p.m. and doubling the amount of behind-the-wheel training required for teenagers.

Lawmakers also required parents to take a two-hour seminar on teen driving before their child is issued a license.

Democratic State Rep. Antonio Guerrera tells The Hartford Courant teens these days are “more serious” behind the wheel.