STOP Kyleigh's Law!

---> NOTE: This description is LONG, but we reccomend you read it ALL to get a full understanding of this proposed law ABOUT THE LAW

Gov. Jon Corzine signed two bills yesterday designed to improve safety for teenage drivers.

"Kyleigh's Law," named after Kyleigh D'Alessio, a 16-year-old honor student from West Morris Central High School who was killed in a December 2006 car crash that also claimed the life of the teenage driver, would require drivers under the age of 21 to display identifying markers on their vehicles.

THE FIRST BILL:
- Will require all teen drivers under the age of 21 to display orange decals on both the front and rear license plates to "help police identify new drivers and ensure they are following regulations."

THE SECOND BILL:
- Prohibits drivers under the age of 21 to having only one other passenger in a car, unless an adult is present.
- Begins the ban on driving to 11pm as opposed to the current midnight curfew. This revision will also include all drivers under the age of 21.

There are also talks of passing another bill (A3060) which will require a teenager's parent to complete an orientation program on driving rules.

(Source: http://tinyurl.com/d3vjdu)

---> WHY WE ARE FIGHTING IT

INTRODUCTION:
We (the creators of this group) understand completely that there is a risk to putting a teenager behind the wheel of a vehicle. It's an unavoidable fact. However, there are many parts to this bill which we feel are too unacceptable to be taken into consideration as a new set of laws to further restrict teenagers.

CHA-CHING:
In reading the proposed bill, it comes into clear view that one of the reasons these decals are being mandated is to put more money into the pocket of the state. These decals will "help police identify new drivers and ensure they are following regulations." however this clearly means it will give the police an easier time finding underage drivers, and pulling them over. Any teenager who has been pulled over, as well as any police officer knows that when you put a teenager into the situation of a police encounter, the stress becomes too much for them, and they are mentally ill-equipped for the situation.

AGE ISN'T JUST A NUMBER:
The age restriction on this bill is proposterous. Telling a 21 year old driver, who became a legal adult at age 18, that they can go to war and fight for their country, but when they come home they have to drive around with an embarrasing decal on their licence plates, and be strapped down to all of these laws seems a bit unfair. Drivers should be able to make their own decisions, and not be tied to this set of laws if they are over the age of 18, like the current law is set at.

OPEN MIDNIGHT OR LATER?:
It is also rediculous to change the current midnight curfiew to 11pm. Especially if this law will be enforced by persons under 21. The majority of people 16-21 have jobs. Some of these jobs require the person to drive later than the proposed 11pm curfiew. Sure, there are ways to get a permit from the state to drive later, but why should a legal adult have to go through that inconvienience?

--> IN CLOSING
This isn't a matter of a teenage driver being embarrased by an orange sticker, it's a matter of becoming an adult. The current GDL restrictions that are on drivers now are stringent enough; teenagers need to learn responsibility at a younger age. Twenty one is not the proper age for this responsibility to be granted to them. Instead of "punishing" all teenage drivers, especially those with a clean driving record, why isn't more pressure being put on punishing those teenagers who cause the auto accidents, and commit the moving violations on the road?

--> WHAT YOU CAN DO
There are a couple of ways you can help our cause... Here's just a few:

- Join this group! Participate and start discussions. Make yourself heard!
- Contact Governer Corzine - Use this form to contact the Governer and tell him how rediculous this law is! http://www.state.nj.us/governor/about/contact/index.html (use the "Law and Public Safety" topic.
- Sign the petition! Click here to sign our petition: LINK
- Tell your friends! Invite people to the group. Show everyone our opinions!

Thanks for taking the time to read about our cause, and we hope you will join us!