Two Sacramento teenagers are working hard to get a new law passed to prevent tragic motorcycle accidents, especially among young people. According to a news report in the Sacramento Bee, Sawyer Cole and his best friend, Michael Kelleher -- 18 and 19 years old -- are pushing to change teen motorcycle learner's permit requirements. So far, this proposed legislation has been able to overcome partisan politics and pass the California Assembly as well as the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee without an organized opposition or a dissenting vote.

Tragedy Gives Way to Proposed Legislation

For these teens, the fight stems from a personal tragedy. Cole's brother, Jarrad, was killed in a motorcycle accident three years ago -- on August 4, 2007. Jarrad died after he lost control of his motorcycle while learning to ride it outside his home. Since Jarrad's death, Cole and Kelleher have been researching the issue and found that the state had issued Jarrad a permit to ride the motorcycle on a public roadway just after he had passed basic driver's education and training. Jarrad had not yet taken a course in motorcycle riding and safety.

Also, California requires those between ages 15½ and 21 to complete a safety course before they get a motorcycle driver's license. But they are not required to complete that course before getting a learner's permit. Cole and Kelleher also discovered that teens driving cars under a learner's permit must be accompanied by an adult, but not young motorcyclists. The two friends have launched a crusade to change California law to mandate the 15-hour motorcycle training course for teens with learners' permits as well.

Saving Young Lives

As a California personal injury lawyer who represents victims of motorcycle accidents, I wholeheartedly support Assembly Bill 1952 or "Jarrad's Law." This will require anyone 21 years old or younger to complete the safety training successfully before getting a learner's permit to ride a motorcycle, moped, scooter or similar vehicles. What these two young men are doing to preserve the memory of their dead friend and brother and save hundreds if not thousands of lives in the process is absolutely commendable. I wish them success on their mission.

Do you support "Jarrad's Law?" We would like to hear your thoughts and opinions on this issue.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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