With one state tightening the rules, there is new mandatory training needed for certain drivers, particularly those affected are the group of younger drivers in Washington state. It was Governor Ferguson who signed House Bill 1878 back in May, which outlined how mandatory formal driver’s education would be for all drivers under 21 by 2030.
Focusing on driver’s education for younger drivers
Initially, in this particular state, 16 and 17-year-olds were expected to complete their mandatory driver’s education before getting their driver’s license. According to a law passed more recently, drivers aged 18 to 21 were also encouraged to take the necessary driver’s education. They are not only encouraged to complete formal driver’s training, but they also need to focus on driver’s education.
The idea is that in the year 2031, those 21-year-olds with a driver’s license already will still need to go through somewhat of a driver’s license refresher course. All younger drivers who are known to acquire speeding tickets will also need to enrol in a course promoting safer driving.
The state has not considered this bill without careful consideration and thought. The idea of the bill, as has been stated by the bill’s main sponsor, Representative Brandy Donaghy (D-Mill Creek), is to make roads in the state far safer for all.
Why is the state tightening the road rules?
In this state, the bill was put forward after the data was taken into account. Data derived from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission showed drivers between 15 and 24 were linked to 26% more traffic fatalities. All those younger drivers who have not participated in formal driver’s education showed a 60% higher crash involvement rate than other drivers who had taken a formal driver’s education course.
The reason that many young drivers hit the road before acquiring a formal education is that these drivers’ education programs tend to be far too expensive. To rectify this setback, the state has put forward a voucher program to assist students from poorer regions to experience training too. Online courses will be on offer as well.
Experts are of another opinion when it comes to driver’s courses
In Florida, too, a driver’s license will be harder to get for one group of drivers. Now in Washington, not everyone is pleased with the new bill.
In fact, Alex Hansen, president of the Washington Traffic Safety Education Association, criticized these formal driver’s training programs as being educationally unsound, especially if this formal education does not get tackled properly.
Hansen further states that public schools do not offer driver’s education, and there are more or less only about 20 schools in the state that still offer this type of formal driving education at schools. Hansen suggests it has become more necessary for public schools to offer this formal program so that more students will find it easier and be more interested in taking these programs.
The state is driving in a new lane entirely.
For many, Washington House Bill 1878 means driving in a new lane entirely since all parties involved are gearing up to adopt the new law. Educators, driving schools, and traffic safety institutions are all joining forces in anticipation of when the legislation expands to include enthusiastic drivers up to 21.
While other states are looking at other changes, the most common change is that of the speed limit changes in 6 states, resulting in some drivers even having to install a device in their cars. While Washington is looking to increase road safety and the state is taking the stance that improving drivers’ education surely is the way to go, since all drivers will then be far better equipped to handle curveballs on the road. A formal driver’s education will better prepare younger drivers for the task of driving.
