State Commissioners of Education and Motor Vehicles Conduct Community Forum on Driver Education

ALBANY, NY (10/02/2008)(readMedia)-- Commissioner David J. Swarts of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and New York State Commissioner of Education Richard P. Mills today convened a public forum of DMV, BOCES, Department of Education staff, law enforcement, parents and young drivers in Albany to solicit input on how to improve driver education in New York State.

In speaking about the need for such a forum Commissioner Swarts said, "Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death in young people age 16-24. In 2006, more than 200 young drivers in New York State died in automobile crashes and more than 26,000 were injured. Working together with the State Education Department and others, we must develop new ways of educating young drivers that will help to eliminate unnecessary injuries and deaths on our highways."

State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said, "We all know that young, inexperienced drivers are too often involved in car accidents - some of them tragic beyond words. There is nothing more important than the safety of our children. So I am grateful for this opportunity to work with Commissioner Swarts, District Superintendent Dedrick, and other concerned citizens on the critically important task of improving driver instruction and safety."

Charles Dedrick, BOCES district superintendent said, "Capital Region BOCES is honored to have been asked by the New York State Department of Education and Department of Motor Vehicles to assist with one of the three community forums on driver education that will be held statewide. It is a great opportunity for students, parents and school administrators to be part of the conversation aimed at improving driver education and keeping younger drivers safe."

The New York State Legislature has also recognized the need to examine the quality and availability of driver education and last July created a temporary special advisory panel on driver education availability and curriculum enhancement. This panel, which is co-chaired by the two commissioners, will assess and make recommendations to improve driver education and ensure that instruction is more available and developmentally appropriate.

The forum included discussions among five different groups including: teens and youth, parents and guardians, educators, law enforcement and courts, and community members. Each group explored such topics as technological advancements, driver education funding, proven methods for teaching students and current licensing requirements and restrictions on young drivers.

Two additional community forums are scheduled around the state. The information gathered will be part of a report that will be sent by the advisory panel to the Governor and the Legislature by the end of this year.

For more information, contact the communications office at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles at 518.473.7000.

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