Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell (East Williston) reminded local residents that as of Sept. 1, a new law instituting a Graduated Licensing System for drivers under the age of 18 will go into effect. The lawmaker said the new system will help to improve safety on highways and roads.

"A Graduated Licensing System will help teenagers to become more skillful and responsible drivers. It will also make our roads safer because of these better-prepared drivers," said O'Connell.

Under the new law, drivers under the age of 18 who hold a learner's permit will be required to hold the permit for a minimum of six months before they will be eligible to obtain a junior license. However, the new law also creates a "Limited Class" license, which is available to those under the age of 18 who pass their driving test during the six-month holding period and, therefore, can drive alone under very special circumstances.

In addition, learner's permit holders will also be required to obtain at least 20 hours of supervised driving with an experienced driver or instructor before being eligible to take a road test.

"We have too often observed teenagers in our communities involved in reckless driving and motor vehicle accidents that have resulted in critical injuries or death. This law will help prevent such tragedy by guaranteeing that young drivers receive more behind-the-wheel experience before driving on their own," said O'Connell.

New York state traffic data from 1991 through 1999 has shown that younger drivers have consistently higher-than-average involvement in personal injury crashes. In each of these years, drivers ages 16 and 17 averaged more than 70 fatal accidents and more than 10,000 injury cases.

"I am confident that this law will help to save lives. I will continue to work for legislation that will protect our most valuable assets - our children," said O'Connell.

Among the provisions included in the Graduated Licensing Law are:

* Six-month holding period before road test could be scheduled.

* Supervising driver must be 21 years old (until recently, 18 years old).

* All occupants must be in seat belts.

* Only front-seat passenger can be supervising the driver.

* Passenger restrictions: only two who are not immediate family members; does not apply if accompanied by parent, guardian, driver's education teacher or driving instructor.

* Twenty hours experience required in order to obtain junior license.

* Suspension/Revocation: For serious traffic violations (three points or more.) Examples: reckless driving, speeding more than 10 mph over the limit, following too closely, failing to obey stop/yield signs, failing to obey traffic signals.

* Can be obtained prior to expiration of six-month permit holding period.

* Valid only for operation to and from school, work, medical appointments, day care and any other place if accompanied by licensed parent.

* Not valid for operation in the following counties: Nassau, Suffolk, Kings, Queens, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam.

* All occupants must be in seat belts.

* Passenger restrictions: only two who are not immediate family members; does not apply if accompanied by parent, guardian, driver's education teacher or driving instructor.

* Suspension/Revocation: For serious traffic violations (three points or more.) Examples include: reckless driving, speeding more than 10 mph over the limit, following too closely, failing to obey stop/yield signs and failing to obey traffic signals.