New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S123

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Requires school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will significantly influence state laws by making driver safety education a formal requirement in public school districts. Each district will be required to provide students with detailed information about the correlation between distracted driving and various driving behaviors associated with accidents, such as lane-weaving and erratic speed changes. Furthermore, the bill mandates that students learn about statistics related to the risks of accidents and fatalities associated with cell phone use while driving, thereby aiming to raise awareness and encourage responsible driving habits among teenagers.

Summary

Bill S123, introduced in the State of New Jersey, mandates that school districts incorporate instruction on the dangers of texting while driving into their health education curriculum for students in grades 9 through 12. This initiative is aimed at addressing the pressing issue of distracted driving, particularly due to the increasing prevalence of cell phone usage among young drivers. By integrating this instruction into the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, the bill seeks to foster a safer driving culture among emerging drivers.

Contention

While the bill has strong backing from proponents concerned about road safety, potential points of contention may arise concerning the allocation of resources and time within the existing curriculum. Some educators might argue that incorporating additional topics could challenge the existing health education structure, particularly if it strains financial or instructional resources. Moreover, the bill's success will largely depend on the ability of the Commissioner of Education to provide adequate guidance and resources to facilitate effective learning activities surrounding this subject matter.

Companion Bills

NJ A1636

Same As Requires school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

Previously Filed As

NJ S67

Requires school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A262

Requires school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A1748

Requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of electronic cigarette usage as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S786

Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A1583

Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A2265

Requires provision of water safety instruction as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A4391

Requires instruction on lightning safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S2986

Requires school districts to provide instruction on bleed control as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S594

Requires school districts to provide instruction on risks of compulsive gambling as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A3140

Requires school districts to provide instruction on risks of compulsive gambling as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

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