Allstate Applauds Introduction of STANDUP Act

Bill seeks to reduce teen crashes through uniform graduated driver licensing.

Allstate Protection President George Ruebenson issued the following statement in support of the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act sponsored by Reps. Timothy Bishop (D-NY), Michael Castle (R-DE) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in the U.S. House of Representatives and backed by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) in the U.S. Senate.

"Americans face a public health risk that is plaguing our roads and highways - the staggering number of deaths and injuries as a result of teen-related auto crashes. This is an issue of epidemic proportions, claiming the lives of 5,000 teens each year. The time is long overdue to address this crisis through uniform driving standards that make our roads safer.

"Allstate supports the creation of federal graduated driver licensing (GDL) standards that reflect sound research on how best to reduce teen driving crashes. Today’s patchwork system of varying state teen driving laws fails to fully include all of the proven elements of reliable behind-the-wheel training for young drivers. A comprehensive GDL approach will change that.

“We applaud the work of Congressmen Bishop, Castle and Van Hollen and Senator Dodd in championing this issue through their leadership on the STANDUP Act. We urge their colleagues to join them in helping to save thousands of lives every year.”