By Taylor Berns

With 2014 in full swing, many new laws are being put into effect. Some that will affect many new drivers are the new guidelines of the state driving laws. By following these new laws, AHS students will be helping prevent vehicle related accidents and deaths. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, “motor vehicle accidents kill more teens than anything else”.

In attempt to try to reduce this statistic, Iowa’s state laws for teen drivers will have more restrictions. Longer instruction time behind the wheel will be required for teens. This means that teens will have to carry an instruction permit for 12 months or more before getting their intermediate license. The Iowa DOT says, “statistics show that increased supervised experience behind the wheel helps young drivers develop safer driving habits”.

New laws will also try to help combat distracted driving by limiting the number of unrelated minors to one. An unrelated minor is anyone who is not a brother, sister, step-brother, or step-sister to the driver. This law will affect driver’s within the first six months of having their intermediate license. If drivers have more than one unrelated passenger, a parent or guardian must be present in the front seat of the vehicle. Parents can waiver this restriction but this can only be done so at the time the intermediate license is issued.

During an interview with School Resource Officer Corey Larsen, he said, “[The new laws] will get rid of some of the distractions because they can’t have as many passengers.” He also stated that with the longer length required to have an instruction permit, students will be required to drive a little longer before they get their full license. If any questions are needed to be answered, Officer Larsen said to ask law enforcement and make sure to know the restrictions before you start driving. Larsen thinks the laws will work out and kids will follow these laws just like in the past.

These laws will affect many, new, teen drivers at AHS. Most students are aware of the new laws because they received letters in the mail stating the changes. Freshman Megan Behrends said she “feels like it’s good because friends can distract you more than family”. Another AHS Freshman Bailey Schildberg states, “I think it’s safer since you can only have one [passenger] in your car. I think this new law will help save lives.”