Special Projects
Teen Drivers in Danger
Recent fatal accidents have prompted legislative action to toughen laws for teen-age drivers. An investigation by the Boston University Statehouse Program has found lapses in the way teens are taught and tested for their licenses. The student journalists of the program have assembled a package of articles that looks at problems in education, testing and restrictions on new drivers.
Teen Drivers in Danger - Main Story
Police estimate the Land Rover was traveling 59 miles an hour in a 35 mph zone when it careened off the road, hitting a utility pole so hard it impaled the SUV's windshield. (By Neil Freese and Brittany Oat)
State Regulation
While driving students practice their three-point turns and parallel parking, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is charged with making sure their driving schools keep to state standards. (By Jason Lowell and Annie Sherman)
Driving Schools
Two teen-age students fell asleep during a recent class at Cam’s Auto School in Waltham. Another spent the bulk of her time sending text messages from her cell phone. None of the students had textbooks. (By Neil Freese and Catherine Williams)
Driving Tests
While state legislators debate the appropriate amount of time a teenager should spend behind the wheel before getting a license, they are mute on the subject of driving tests. (By Tracy Dubinsky and Katie Liesener)
Graduated Licenses
Getting behind the wheel has long been considered the ultimate right of passage for teens. But the difficulty of that passage varies around the country. Compared to other states, Massachusetts teens get an easy ride. (By Olivia DiFeterici and Rachel Lux)
Elderly Drivers
Sen. Brian A. Joyce is painfully aware there are no co-sponsors for his bill that would require drivers over 85 years old to retake vision and road tests every five years.(By Laura Dannen)