Sen. O'Connor and constituent urge raising permit requirements for motorcyclists under S.2430

Senator O'Connor and Vincent D'Andrea Sr. asked the Joint Committee on Transportation to approve Senate Bill S.2430, which would limit issuance of motorcycle permits to drivers under 18 unless they have completed a motorcycle basic rider course, held a junior operator license for one year, and maintained a clean driving record. Senator O'Connor said the proposal would “close a dangerous loophole and prevent 16 year olds from taking motorcycles out on public roads immediately upon being issued their learner's permit.”

Vincent D'Andrea Sr. described the 2008 death of his 16-year-old son in Lakeville and said the existing rules allowed a minor to take a written test at the Registry and immediately operate a powerful motorcycle on public roads without special training or restrictions. “Our 16 year old son was killed on 08/01/2008 … He hit a pole and died instantly,” D'Andrea testified. He said his family's experience motivated long-term advocacy and that he supports S.2430 to “spare some unknown family the pain” his family continues to bear.

Senator O'Connor framed the bill as a safety measure supported in prior sessions by the committee, noting it had received favorable reports in earlier sessions and that the changes mirror steps taken in other policies such as expanded driver education for young automobile drivers. Committee members asked clarifying questions about the bill’s history and support; Senator Crane and others thanked D'Andrea for his testimony. The committee did not vote on S.2430 during the hearing.