TEEN DRUNK DRIVER BILL URGED IN MD.

Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. is once again urging legislators
to stiffen penalties for underage drunk drivers after this year's
attempt failed.

Under the governor's proposal, to be introduced in January, drivers
younger than 21 would lose their licenses for at least three years if
convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"The governor is committed to making our roads safer," said Henry P.
Fawell, a spokesman for Ehrlich (R). "If we can prevent one tragic
death by passing this legislation, it's worth it."

First lady Kendel S. Ehrlich advocated for the bill yesterday during
an annual memorial ceremony in Annapolis for victims of accidents
involving impaired drivers.

"Impaired driving has become a national epidemic, a critical public
health issue," Kendel Ehrlich said, according to a copy of her remarks
provided by the governor's office. "Impaired driving crashes touch us
all, and it is a crime that knows no social boundaries, nor does it
discriminate among its victims."

Last year, 110 people 13 to 20 years old were killed in Maryland motor
vehicle accidents, up from 106 in 2003, according to the National
Center on Health Statistics. It is not known how many of those deaths
involved drunken driving, but nationwide, almost 30 percent of drivers
15 to 20 who died last year in auto accidents had been drinking,
according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Versions of Ehrlich's bill were passed by the House and the Senate
this year, but a committee appointed to reconcile the two was unable
to reach a compromise, Fawell said. The House bill sought a three-year
suspension of licenses; the Senate bill called for a one-year
suspension, he said.

Sen. Brian E. Frosh (D-Montgomery) said most of his colleagues back
tougher penalties for underage drunk drivers, but he said the
governor's proposal went too far.

"We had some concerns that it was too inflexible," Frosh said. "You
might have someone that at 16 makes a terrible mistake and as a result
. . . loses the ability to find or keep a job."

Other provisions of Ehrlich's safe-driving initiative became law last
year. Teenage drivers who obtain licenses are required now to hold a
learner's permit for six months, rather than four. And their licensees
can be suspended for as much as 90 days for violating seat belt and
curfew restrictions during their first six months behind the wheel.