Ark. panel backs new seat belt, teen driver laws

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Measures headed toward the Senate that are aimed at keeping teens off the roads late at night and getting motorists buckled up should complement Arkansas' efforts to create a statewide system for trauma care, state health officials say.

The new driving restrictions were recommended for passage Monday by the Senate Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs Committee. The measures advanced days after the Senate gave approval to an $87.8 million tobacco tax increase, which Gov. Mike Beebe plans to sign into law Tuesday.

The driving restrictions, proposed by Sen. Jimmy Jeffress, D-Crossett, would bar motorists under 18 from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for work, school or emergencies. The teens could be on the road later and have more passengers if accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older.