SUCCESS! This bill was signed into law. The changes go into effect January 1, 2010.
Click here for more information about the changes.

Driving conditions have changed. Speed limits have increased. Cars are more powerful. And, Kansans spend nearly twice as much time on the road as they did just two decades ago. But, one thing hasn’t changed — our drivers licensing system. Modern driving conditions require an updated licensing system.

Kansas is lagging behind
Right now, Kansas is lagging behind most of the nation when it comes to preparing teens for the lifelong responsibility of driving. While 47 other states have updated their licensing systems, Kansas is among the three states that have not. By making a few simple, yet effective, changes to our licensing system, we can provide Kansas teens with the same level of driving experience as teens in neighboring states.

Three simple steps
Most states have updated their licensing systems by implementing a three-stage approach — called a Graduated Drivers Licensing system or GDL — that addresses the three greatest risks to young drivers: inexperience, multiple passengers in the vehicle and late-night driving. By addressing these three risks in our state’s licensing system, we stand to significantly reduce the number of car crashes on Kansas roads.

Safer roads, reduced medical costs for all of us
Every year, more than 7,000 Kansas teens — a number equivalent to twice the size of Kansas State University’s freshman class — are injured or killed in car crashes. We know that fewer crashes mean fewer medical costs. In fact, almost 85% of medical costs for crash victims fall on society, increasing health insurance premiums for all of us. And, nationally, employers spend $9 billion per year in health care costs associated with crash injuries.

Updating our drivers licensing system in Kansas will provide Kansas teens with the experience they need to become lifelong responsible drivers.

Resources
Legislative Brief - key points about the GDL policy
Comparison Chart - compare the current and new drivers licensing policy
Videos - GDL: Safer Roads  |  GDL: A Modern Approach
Map - breakdown of teen crashes by county

Partners
AAA Kansas
Kansas Department of Transportation
Kansas Highway Patrol
SafeKids Kansas
State Farm Insurance