A new program designed to cut down on the number of traffic accidents was inaugurated at the President\'s House this week. Called the \"Gradated Driver\'s License Program,\" it will enable beginning drivers to gain driving experience under safe conditions. HaTzofeh\'s Tuly Pikarsh reports that 17-18-year-olds are only 2.2% of the driving population, yet are involved in 4.4% of the country\'s fatal accidents and 7% of serious accidents. Under the terms of the program, new drivers for the first six months will be permitted to drive only with an adult and only without children or teenagers. They must also take a course in driving in dangerous situations. If the young drivers make it safely through this period, they will then undergo another six-month period with certain restrictions. Those who pass will receive a regular license, while those who don\'t will have to repeat the first six-month period.
Similar programs have been implemented in other countries with positive results. In the State of California, the number of fatalities and injuries dropped by 40% because of the program. The number of fatalities in road accidents in Israel has risen significantly in the past three months; 12 people were killed this week.
Similar programs have been implemented in other countries with positive results. In the State of California, the number of fatalities and injuries dropped by 40% because of the program. The number of fatalities in road accidents in Israel has risen significantly in the past three months; 12 people were killed this week.