Bill signed into law to protect teen drivers
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A new law will bring change to driver’s education programs with the hope of protecting teens getting behind the wheel for the first time, after one Oklahoma City family suffered heartbreak and tragedy.
“I think that is what kept us going all the years,” said Charla Shaffer.
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Hope Shaffer lived to dance ballet in front of an audience or anywhere she could.
Hope Shaffer, Courtesy of Charla Shaffer Hope Shaffer, Courtesy of Charla Shaffer Hope Shaffer, Courtesy of Charla Shaffer Hope Shaffer, Courtesy of Charla Shaffer
On January 15, 2020, the 15-year-old woke up with a little stage fright before her driving lesson.
“She felt like she could overcome those nerves for driving school so that she could drive herself to dance,” said Charla Shaffer.
After her driving lesson, a fellow student got behind the wheel. Shaffer moved to the backseat. While exiting I-240, another driver rear-ended their car.
“You called the driving school because she was late, late getting home,” said Nick Shaffer, to his wife Charla.
“She never came home,” said Charla to her husband.
“In that particular accident, had she not been in the back seat, she would have survived,” said Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City.
Shaffer’s parents had no idea another student would be driving their daughter around.
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“We wouldn’t say ‘Oh yeah, you know, I don’t know this person, and they don’t have a permit and you’re welcome to go on a ride with them,'” said Charla. “It’s not something we as parents do.”
For years, the Shaffer’s worked to pass House Bill 1616, also known as the Hope Shaffer Act. Eventually, they found help from Representative Forrest Bennett.
“Their request was so simple,” said Rep. Bennett. “Requires driving schools to provide a waiver for parents and guardians to sign when their child is going through driver’s ed that details that there is a possibility that that student driver may be getting driven around by another student driver.”
This gives parents the options to opt out.
After years of fighting, Governor Kevin Stitt signed the act into law on Monday.
Now, the Shaffers have hope, while knowing Hope is looking down on him.
“We’re going to save children’s lives. I think she would celebrate that day,” said Nick Shaffer.
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