Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and the state patrol wants to put on the brakes. They say that learning about the Graduated Driver's License law (GDL) will help protect teens when they're behind the wheel, but thousands of parents and teenagers are ignoring the law.

The GDL requires first time driver?s license candidates under the age 18 to have 50 hours of driving with and adult and proof of that instruction in the form of a log sheet.

The hours must be logged onto the form and must be verified by the applicant?s driving education instructor, parent or guardian. The 50 hours must include 10 hours of nighttime driving experience, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation

Several organizations gathered on Friday to raise awareness about the law, which was passed in June, 1999.

Part of the problem might be enforcement of the law but the state patrol said that's going to change.

"We're the ones who get to see the stuff that none of you want to see," Capt. Steve Smee of the Colorado State Patrol said. "This stuff takes an emotional toll on anybody. And after a period of time, we go, 'There's got to be a better way, and this is one of those better ways. '"

More Information:

Definition of Graduated Drivers' License Law

Download Driver's Log Sheet