**JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a bill into law on Tuesday that will allow drivers to obtain a new ‘safe driver license’ aimed at promoting safe driving habits and reducing the number of accidents on the road.
The new license will be available to all drivers in the state of Missouri who have maintained a clean driving record for a specified period of time. To qualify for the license, drivers must have had no moving violations or at-fault accidents for at least three years.
Governor Parson praised the new initiative, stating that it will incentivize safe driving behavior and ultimately make the roads safer for all Missourians.
“We want to reward those drivers who are committed to following the rules of the road and keeping themselves and others safe,” Parson said in a statement. “The ‘safe driver license’ is a recognition of their dedication to safe driving and will serve as a reminder to all drivers of the importance of following traffic laws.”
The new license will feature a distinctive design, making it easy for law enforcement officers to identify drivers who have met the criteria for the license. In addition, drivers with the ‘safe driver license’ will be eligible for discounts on their auto insurance premiums, further incentivizing safe driving practices.
Safety advocates have applauded the introduction of the ‘safe driver license,’ noting that it will encourage drivers to prioritize safety on the road.
“Too often, drivers are focused on getting to their destination quickly rather than safely,” said Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for the Missouri Safe Roads Alliance. “The ‘safe driver license’ will shift the focus back to safe driving habits and ultimately reduce the number of accidents on our roads.”
In order to qualify for the ‘safe driver license,’ drivers must submit an application to the Missouri Department of Revenue, along with documentation proving their clean driving record. The license will be renewable every five years, with drivers required to continue maintaining a clean driving record in order to keep the license.
The introduction of the ‘safe driver license’ comes amid a concerning trend of rising traffic fatalities in Missouri. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of traffic-related deaths in the state has increased by 10% over the past year.
Safety officials hope that the new license will help reverse this trend by promoting safe driving behaviors and reducing the number of accidents on Missouri roads.
The ‘safe driver license’ will be available to all drivers in the state starting next month, and Governor Parson is encouraging all eligible drivers to apply.
“Safe driving is a responsibility that we all share, and the ‘safe driver license’ is a small step towards making our roads safer for everyone,” Parson said. “I urge all drivers to take advantage of this opportunity to show their commitment to safe driving and help us build a safer Missouri for all.”
Drivers interested in obtaining the ‘safe driver license’ can visit the Missouri Department of Revenue’s website for more information on how to apply.