Georgia Teen Panel Makes Road Safety Recommendations

An all-teen board appointed by Georgia’s governor wants harsher penalties for teens who violate the state’s law that bans drivers from texting and using smartphones while on the road.

Members of the Governor’s Commission on Teen Driving on Monday presented recommendations to Georgia lawmakers and other road safety stakeholders.

The recommendations also include changes to teen driver education strategies to focus on the dangers of distracted driving and a ban on hand-held phone use for all drivers in Georgia.

The 22-member commission was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal in October. The teens worked to develop a statewide strategy to educate teen drivers on the risks and consequences of driving while distracted, texting while driving and driving while impaired by alcohol.

The group is expected to reconvene in the fall.