By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“A vehicle weighing five (thousand) to six thousand pounds, going 75 miles an hour is a very dangerous piece of equipment, it’s like operating a firearm,” said Maine Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. during the Jan. 18 Conversations with the Communities held at the Bureau of Motor Vehicle Registration in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Secretary of State Charles E. Summers hosted a public meeting in Caribou last week, part of his Conversations with Communities effort to hear input regarding necessary changes in the Maine State Drivers Education Curriculum.
The series, held throughout the state, allowed for a public discussion regarding ways to improve the safety of young drivers. “Too many tragedies occur on Maine roadways involving young drivers every year,” stated Summers. “This past year alone, there were an estimated 50 fatal crashes where a young driver — someone between the ages of 16 and 24 was involved — that’s almost one crash a week.”
The Secretary of State has compiled a technical review panel, as mandated by Maine law, which will conduct a comprehensive review of young driver requirements including laws, rules and the driver education curriculum in Maine, which Summers stated has not been updated since 1996.
“It is my responsibility as the secretary of state to look at ways to improve the safety of young drivers and all of us traveling Maine’s roadways,” said Summers. “I want to ensure that when a young person gets behind the wheel, they have been provided with the best tools available and experience they need to be a safe, responsible, driver. I feel the best way to begin this process is to engage parents, students, educators and other concerned members of the community in an effort to make Maine’s young drivers the best in America,” he added.
Although the turnout for the public discussion, which was available for viewing and responding via Webinar, was slight, those in attendance included local private drivers education instructors, an instructor for commercial drivers education from the Caribou Technology Center and other local residents. Also participating in the discussion and available to respond to the live-feed questions were Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan and Aroostook County Sheriff James Madore.
There are an estimated 227 private driver’s education businesses in the state at this time and only about 18 schools (most of which are in Aroostook County), which offer driver training as part of their curriculum. Many students don’t take a driver’s ed course due to the cost, choosing instead to take the driver’s examination test at age 18.
Summers stated that at some locations a parent of a young driver killed in a vehicle accident spoke to those in attendance, re-enforcing the need for more stringent instruction and laws.
During each of the public meetings suggestions have been compiled which will be discussed by the panel then turned over to DOT with final suggestions being submitted for legislation.
Participants at the Jan. 18 meeting were provided with a breakdown of the current Maine Driver education curriculum and a list of changes to be considered taken from previous Conversations with the Communities meetings. Those changes included the following: stricter penalties; more time behind the wheel accompanied by a parent/guardian; increase in hours of instruction/driving practice time; use of visible vehicle sticker indicating driver holds a provisional license; increase age of co-rider from 20 to 25 years of age; use of simulators; more defensive driving and the consideration of raising the age that youth may earn driver’s permit from 15 to 16.
Sheriff Madore stated, “it would be a great idea to have a parent/guardian attend classes for an extended time — 30 minutes is inadequate.”
One question asked during the public meeting was in regard to texting while driving. Sheriff Madore reminded that this concern was sent to the legislature in the last session and was enacted into law. If it’s a moving violation (driver texting while driving) there is a $100 fine and license suspension,” he said.
Summers informed the group of a video created by the Chief of Police in Kennebunk and area high school students. “Every young person, every parent, grandparent, aunt and uncle should make a point to watch this powerful video,” he said.
A trailer of the film, “Point of No Return,” may be viewed by going to Point of No Return. TV.
“Every one-half second, someone makes a bad decision,” said the Secretary of State, adding, “we need to considers these suggestions to improve the curriculum, not from the perspective of conversation but for saving a life.”
