Georgia mom looking to get warning magnets mandated for teen-drivers

Posted: Jul 07, 2009
Filed under: Industry News

Newly Licensed

Susie Kessler, mother of 16-year-old Donne, could care less if she embarrasses him when it comes to his driving privileges. Concerned about his safety, Kessler threw on a big magnet on the back of his car that reads “Caution – Newly Licensed.”

Through a nonprofit organization Kessler founded, she has sold about 15,000 of those magnets across the United States.

Now, if Kessler has it her way, your teen could also be riding around with “Caution – Newly Licensed” magnet on the back of his/her car. Kessler is working with a Georgia state senator to support a potential bill next session that would mandate use of such magnets by all young drivers.

Good idea or bad idea? Have your say in the comments section below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AJC and NewlyLicensed

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  • Robert
    I'm from BC and I have to put a huge N on the back of my car to drive...while driving is a privilege, it doesn't mean that we need to stand out like idiots. When people see my N or anyone else's, all they do is drive MORE aggressively, they tailgate, they honk when you go too slow around a corner, they have it in for you because of it. They look down upon you. I know driving is a privilege, but it doesn't mean we have to look like retards driving around. I'm all for a graduated licencing program, but again, this magnet will just cause some other drivers to just go harder on you when you're out on the road.
  • nathan
    yes this is a good idea! in canada in my province of british columbia all newly licensed people have to have a magnet sign on the rear of the car whenever driving. this is for 3 years or until u get your full license. if they don't they can get fined. some may think age discrimination but this is for all new drivers. even people who move here and need to get license have to do this.
    it works. driving is a privilege not a right.
    thx
    nate
  • poondocksaint
    I think this is a great idea. Working in a body shop, we see a good share of accidents. Quite a few are results of younger drivers. Driving is a privilege and I think the US needs to make it harder for some people to get licensed.
  • I am a 17 year old male in Georgia and I find this to be yet another act of age-based discrimination imposed by the state. Studies have shown that my reaction times make up for more than my lack of experience. I have every intention of lobbying against this.
  • Driving isn't a right first off, so you can't infringe upon it. It is a privilege that is earned. A lot of countries mandate identification for teen drivers. New Jersey and Delaware recently passed legislation on magnets as well.

    Do they work? We'll have to find out. I doubt that drivers will see the magnet and back off. The benefit they may have is that teens know that they stand out to police and they may drive more safety because of that, especially in states with strict graduated drivers laws (ie no passengers, cell phones or driving at night).

    Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. If these magnets work then they are a good idea. We'll have to wait until they are in use to see what impact they have, however.
  • Jim
    And who's to say the teen won't just peel off the magnet a few blocks from home after leaving and slap it back on when he gets back home?
  • nathan
    in bc canada it comes with a fine and can lose license if new driver does not display the sign
    it does work i believe
  • Who's to say they won't speed or talk on their phone or break any other law out there?

    If it becomes mandatory that they must have a magnet then it must be enforceable by law, otherwise it is pointless.
  • gus the grouter
    Seemingly most of the rest of the world is able to put "P" and "L" plates on young drivers' cars with a view to curbing the truly horrific road toll in the newly licensed so why not in the US?

    Oops, "not invented here" syndrome at work. Something about democratic rights, having guns.... etc
  • Pat
    Poor kids... i feel so bad for them
  • ravensbd5309
    STUPIDEST.
    IDEA.
    EVER.

    HONESTLY WHO THINKS OF SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

    NOT TO MENTION ITS SUCH AN EYESORE AND A TOTAL ATTENTION MAGNET... LET ROAD RAGERS KNOW THERES A TEEN DRIVING THE CAR WHAT A GREAT IDEA?
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