Graduated driver licensing in Wisconsin: a new law for teens and parents

The final components of Wisconsin's graduated driver licensing (GDL) statute [Biennial state budget act 1999 Wisconsin Act 9] went into effect on September 1, 2000. The GDL system seeks to reduce the number of teen motor vehicle collisions and fatalities by gradually introducing young drivers to all driving situations, beginning with the easiest and progressing to the more difficult. The stages of licensing are defined by the degree of risk involved. When teen drivers demonstrate the ability to drive safely in a restricted setting with high levels of supervision, they "graduate" to the next licensing level with fewer restrictions. Numerous factors are associated with the high rate of teen motor vehicle crashes and fatalities. Such factors include driver inexperience and easy distractibility, alcohol use and lack of seat belt use. The GDL addresses all of these risk factors. This article reviews the injury prevention strategies incorporated in the GDL and outlines the basic components of Wisconsin's law.