S16

21 Oct: Codey Hails Decline In Teen Driving Fatalities

TRENTON — Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) today welcomed the news that the number of teens killed in New Jersey by automobile accidents has declined for the third straight year. While finding the news encouraging, Sen. Codey also urged the need for increased vigilance and education and expressed optimism that a new set of laws enacted in the Spring will help contribute to future declines.

“This news is particularly comforting given the fact that we live in the most densely populated state in an era of constant distractions,” said Sen. Codey. “As a parent, I know how hard it is to go to sleep at night, knowing your teen is out there on the road. In every parent’s eyes, one death is one too many. The only way we can help avoid these tragedies is to make sure that inexperienced drivers have greater supervision and less distractions while they’re still learning the ropes. We’ve made great strides to achieve this and I’m hopeful that the new laws we passed this year will further contribute to this decline in the future.”

15 Apr: Codey, Ruiz Bill Tightening Regulations On Teen Drivers Signed Into Law Today

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senator Teresa Ruiz was signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine today, providing greater protections for teen drivers by tightening restrictions on the number of people permitted in the car and cutting back on the hours that they can be on the road. Bill S16 is based on recommendations from New Jersey’s Teen Driver Study Commission.

“Let’s face it, we live in the most densely populated state in the nation in an era of constant distractions,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed a number of tragic accidents that could have been avoided. Hopefully these changes will make sure that inexperienced drivers have greater supervision and less distractions while they’re still learning the ropes.”

24 Nov: Senate Greenlights Codey, Ruiz Bill Tightening Teen Driver Laws

TRENTON – The full Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey and Senator Teresa Ruiz that would provide greater protections for teen drivers by tightening restrictions on the number of people permitted in the car and cutting back on the hours that they can be on the road. Bill S16 is based on recommendations from New Jersey’s Teen Driver Study Commission.

“Let’s face it, we live in the most densely populated state in the nation in an era of constant distractions,” said Sen. Codey (D-Essex). “Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed a number of tragic accidents that could have been avoided. Hopefully these changes will make sure that inexperienced drivers have greater supervision and less distractions while they’re still learning the ropes.”

Senator M. Theresa Ruiz listens to testimony during the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing.

09 Jun: Ruiz Teen Driver Safety Bill Advances In Committee

TRENTON – Senator Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex and Union, and co-prime sponsor, along with Senate President Richard J. Codey, of a measure to impose additional restrictions on drivers with probationary licenses, issued the following statement after the bill was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee today by a vote of 4-0, with 1 abstention:

“We’ve seen far too much tragedy in New Jersey recently in regards to motor vehicle accidents involving young drivers. Before one more family has to go through the loss of a loved one, we need to revisit the laws governing probationary licenses.