Joshua's Law Aims to Keep Teens Safe

For 16-year-olds hoping to get a driver's license in the coming year, the state will soon require teens to take a driver's education course before they can apply for a license.The new law is called Joshua's Law it will take effect in 2007.Georgia roadways can be dangerous even for experienced drivers, but for a new driver navigating the roads; it’s even more treacherous for the drivers and those around them.Every single year, hundreds of young people die in car accidents, and those accidents are the reason it's going to get tougher for teens to get their licenses.Two years ago, lawmakers pushed through changes in teen driving laws and the major segment of that law will go into effect in 2007."Its gonna save lives. Its gonna save hundreds if not thousands of lives," said Alan Brown.Alan and Lujina Brown pushed for legislation after their 17-year-old son Joshua died when his car hydroplaned and crashed in 2003.The new law named for Joshua says that 16-year-olds applying for a license must complete an approved driver education course with 40 hours of supervised driving, including six hours at night."In hindsight, if my choice had been pay 400 dollars or keep your son, I would pay four million dollars," said Brown.The biggest criticism of the law is that parents must pay for the courses.For 16-year-olds whose parents can't afford the classes they must wait until they turn 17 to get their licenses.The Browns said while they are sympathetic, saving lives is their primary concern."You don't want to live in our pain, where you’ve lost your child and you ask yourself, 'Why didn't I do this?' I knew he knew he needed that," said Brown.Joshua's Law only forces 16-year-olds to take driver's education and once a teen turns 17, they don't have to take the course.Most schools don't provide the courses in Georgia, so for many, it means finding an independent driving school.11Alive sponsors the New Driver Car Control Clinic in Atlanta.The clinic is a six hour behind-the-wheel course for teens and their parents. The instructors teach accident avoidance and defensive driving skills.