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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Thursday, April 28, 2005

EDITORIAL
Teenage bus drivers? Better think again

Hawai'i lawmakers are sending contradictory signals on the issue of teen drivers.

A bill that cleared the Legislature and awaits the governor's signature would lower the minimum age for commercial driver's licenses from 21 to 18, enabling private trucking and transit companies to fill vacant slots in this tight labor market.

There is no wisdom in putting our most inexperienced teen drivers behind the wheel of larger buses and other commercial vehicles.

The bill also contradicts the premise of another measure — which would rein in Hawai'i's teen drivers — that has cleared conference committee and is poised for passage. Among other things, House Bill 150 would raise the age of eligibility for a full, unrestricted driver's license from 16 to 17.

Lawmakers made compelling safety arguments that recognized the increased risk teen drivers pose and the value of experience in reducing the risk on our roadways. Now they are willing to turn teens who are not much older into prospective drivers of public conveyances.

The transportation industry argues that safety concerns can be addressed through training and other restrictions. Executives also said 38 other states allow commercial licenses for this age group.

None of these arguments is persuasive. There is no assurance that companies will ease the teens into the more challenging jobs with sufficient practice, and prohibiting them from transporting children or dangerous cargo does not address the risk to adult passengers and to other drivers.

Gov. Linda Lingle has until Tuesday to decide whether to sign the commercial license bill into law. Let's hope the interests of public safety prevail over the desire to fill the labor pool for a particular industry.