FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2012
Contact: Megan Sanborn
(207) 441-0501

Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. Convenes a Meeting of the Technical Review Panel

Technical Review Panel to Discuss Teen Driving Safety

AUGUSTA, Maine -- In his ongoing effort to address the safety concerns surrounding young drivers, Secretary of State Charlie Summers will convened at meeting of the Technical Review Panel on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM at his office located at 103 Sewall Street in Augusta.

The Technical Review Panel (TRP), which is made up of representatives from the Secretary of State’s Office, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Education, the Insurance Industry, the Motor Carrier industry, and the driver’s education community, was established by Secretary Summers in December as required by Maine law. Summers has also asked Sarah Beth Campisi, a sophomore from Thorton Academy who recently completed driver’s education, to be a member of the TRP as well.

The Technical Review Panel will begin addressing improvements to Maine’s driver education curriculum, laws, and rules based on suggestions received during Secretary Summers’ public discussions “Conversations with the Communities” held in Lewiston, Portland, Kennebunk, Bangor, Caribou and Calais throughout January 2012.

?When I first decided to take a look at Maine?s driver education system, I was troubled to learn it had been since 1996 that the curriculum was last updated. With all the changes in technology over the past 16 years and the current methods of teaching now available, this review of our driver education system is long overdue,? Summers said. ?During my conversations across the state with parents, students, educators, and other interested community members there were a tremendous number of concerns and ideas that were brought forward. Now it?s time for my work with the Technical Review Panel to begin in order to discuss substantial improvements to Maine?s driver education program and the safety of young drivers.?

Members from the public are welcome to attend and observe the Technical Review Panel meeting. For information and instructions on joining the discussion via Webinar, please visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.maine.gov/sos/.