Should I learn about pending legislation in an insurance ad?

Should you learn about it on a blog like this?  Good a place as any.

HR 1895 is also known as the STANDUP Act.  Our "Congreff" is fond of making acronyms out of their legislation.  Did you know that the PATRIOT Act actually stands for "Provide Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism"?  I have filed Support House Underwriting That Urges Protection.

STANDUP means "Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection."  The bill proposes graduated drivers licenses ("graduate" like the cylinder).  We were just speaking the other day about how well graduated drinking ages went over in their day.

It works like this:

1. 
   
   Learners at 16
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Licensed at 18
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Limited passengers until 21 (no more than 1 non-familial member)  The following constituents could not be reached for comment:
   
   
   

• Teenage parents
• Tank drivers

The goal of this act is to reduce accidents and fatalities caused by inexperienced drivers, and the info site lists other industrialized nations which delay licensing to 17 or 18.

Stats on teenage drivers and passengers are jarring, but may need sorting through.  For example, "...teenage drivers comprise slightly more than 1/3 of all fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in which they are involved..."  We have talked about 33% before.  A significant fraction when you are eating pizza, but not a majority.  This sentences also says that 2/3 of the teenage drivers who are involved in accidents live.

"...motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of Americans between 15 and 20 years of age..."  40% says one source.  The next leading cause (age 15-19) is Homicide at only 13%.  So that's an attention getter.  You know what it is for younger teens (10-14)?  21%  Not clear who is driving there. Toddlers - 11%.  Now - motor vehicle deaths cause 41% of US deaths overall, but the rate does drop by half after age 20.  Snipeme.com cites over 700 service casualties in Iraq who were under 21 (cite's particular message is to lower the drinking age.)

So far 1895 has only been introduced to sub-committee, and has a long way to go (if you remember your song lyrics).  DrawingIn recommends this tracking site to stay up to date on this and other Bills that interest you. This is primarily a Democrats' Bill, with support from Republicans Gerlach and Castle (PA and DE).

To start your own teen shuttle, contact these people.