Teen drivers may soon have to prove that not only can they parallel park and obey road signs, but that they have basic first aid skills. A bill proposed by Rep. Cheryl Grossman, a Republican of Grove City, would require 16- and 17-year-olds to get certification in CPR and first aid to get their drivers' licenses. Grossman says her research has shown many teens don't know first-aid basics, and she's rather kids learn through a voluntary effort rather than a mandatory class.
"We're trying to be very considerate of unfunded mandates on schools. And by tying this into the requirement of receiving your training, your certification, prior to applying for your license it puts that responsibility on the driver and not on the schools, " says Grossman.
The idea came from the parents of 48 year old Jennifer Viafora, who was run down while walking near her home in Chagrin Falls in northeast Ohio in December 2009. The 21 year old driver admitted to police he didn't know what to do to help her till paramedics arrived.