Klobuchar aims bill at improving driver safety

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is proposing legislation aimed at improving teen driver safety after a recent rash of accidents around Minnesota left 16 people dead.

The Minnesota Democrat plans to introduce a bill that would require all states to implement gradual drivers license programs that phase in full driving privileges over time. Every state has some version of gradual license programs, but the requirements vary.

Klobuchar's bill would enforce minimum requirements for all states. In Minnesota, it would bump up the age drivers could get their learners permit to 16 and non-restricted licenses to 18.

Seven of the dead in the recent crashes were teenagers.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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