SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 61

(By Senators Unger and Foster)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study transportation safety issues to promote safe driving practices in the State of West Virginia.

Whereas , The Legislature desires to promote safe driving in the State of West Virginia in the most efficient manner , including safe operating practices by users of cellular phones and by teenage drivers ; and
Whereas, The use of cellular phones has increased; therefore, the number of individuals concurrently driving and talking on cell phones has increased; and
Whereas, The precise effects associated with the use of cell phones while driving are not yet fully known; and
Whereas , A graduated driver's license program exists in the State of West Virginia for teenage drivers; and
Whereas, Automobile accidents involving teenage drivers, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries, are of serious concern; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study transportation safety issues to promote safe driving practices in the State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance's study include whether the manual manipulation of equipment has a negative impact on driving and the effects of hand-held and hands-free cellular phone usage; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance's study include examining the number of teen passengers accompanying a teen driver, adjusting the current 11 p. m. curfew for teen drivers and raising the minimum age to obtain a driver's license from 15 years to 16 years; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.