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Bill

HB 1352

Driver education; dangers of reckless driving, including driving at excessive speeds.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Laura Jane Cohen and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill requiring driver education programs to teach dangers of reckless driving and excessive speeding to new drivers.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1352

Legislative bill overview

HB 1352 requires Virginia's driver education curriculum to include enhanced instruction on the dangers of reckless driving, with specific emphasis on excessive speed and its consequences. The bill mandates educational content addressing the risks and impacts of high-speed driving as part of standard driver training programs.

Why is this important

Reckless driving and speeding remain leading factors in motor vehicle fatalities and injuries. By embedding this instruction into mandatory driver education, the bill aims to influence driving behavior during the critical period when new drivers form habits. Research suggests early education on traffic safety can reduce accident rates among teen and young adult drivers.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum burden: Adding specific content requirements may strain existing driver education programs already managing multiple safety topics; schools and instructors may need additional training or resources
  • Effectiveness questions: Critics may argue that driver education alone has limited impact on actual driving behavior, and enforcement/penalties are more effective deterrents than classroom instruction
  • Scope specificity: The bill's focus on "excessive speeds" without defined thresholds could create implementation inconsistencies across different driver education providers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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