FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Casey Kockler House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: ckockler@pahouse.net	State Rep. Thomas Petrone D-Allegheny www.pahouse.com/petrone
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Petrone bill would require all Pa. high schools to offer driver’s ed

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Rep. Thomas Petrone, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would require all high schools in Pennsylvania to provide students with driver’s education courses.

The bill (H.B. 1558) would extend classroom instruction or behind-the-wheel training to all 501 school districts in Pennsylvania. Currently, only 350 school districts offer driver’s education to students.

Petrone said Pennsylvania needs to ensure young drivers are well-trained before they get behind the wheel of a vehicle on their own.

“The rate of accidents involving new drivers is growing, and it’s a tragedy that can be easily prevented. It is illogical and irresponsible to hand over the keys to inexperienced drivers without educating them first on how to be safe drivers,” Petrone said. “A vehicle can become a 3,000-pound weapon when it is being driven by an unskilled driver.”

Pennsylvania does not require the completion of a driver’s education course in order to obtain a driver’s license.

“This is about saving lives,” Petrone added. “We need to protect our youth from hurting themselves or others on the roadways, and making these classes available to all students would do just that.”

Under the proposal, the Department of Education would be required to consult with the Pennsylvania State Police to develop criteria for driver education programs.

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