Author: Derek Lytle

Published: 5:04 PM EST February 27, 2026

Updated: 5:04 PM EST February 27, 2026

NORFOLK, Va. — A Virginia mother who lost her teenage son in a tragic Yorktown crash is now pushing for changes to state law, hoping no other family has to endure the same heartbreak.

During homecoming week in 2019, Tammy Guido McGee’s son, Conner, was one of three boys killed in a crash in Yorktown involving an unlicensed driver. Years later, she says the pain remains constant.

“It’s devastating to relive the one worst day of your entire life, over and over again,” McGee said.

Now, she is advocating for House Bill 1224. It's legislation that would increase licensing requirements for young adults ages 18 to 21 in Virginia.

Under current Virginia law, teens ages 16 to 18 must complete both supervised driving hours and a state-approved driver’s education course before receiving a license. However, McGee said a loophole exists: if someone waits until they turn 18 to get their license, they are only required to complete one of those two requirements, not both.

Virginia House Bill 1224 would require 18- to 21-year-olds to complete 90 days of supervised driving and a state-approved driver’s education course before obtaining a license.

“Driving is the number one killer of our teenagers, and it doesn’t have to be,” McGee said. “We want you to take driver’s education in high school. We want you to take it with licensed, qualified teachers in the Commonwealth, and if you choose to skip that course in high school, then yes, there would be a fee for you to have to take driver’s education.”

Opposition to the bill, McGee said, largely centers on the potential cost of additional driver’s education requirements. Critics argue the mandate could create financial hardship for some teens and families.

McGee acknowledges those concerns but said access is also part of the broader issue. She notes that 36 school districts in Virginia currently do not offer behind-the-wheel instruction as part of their high school driver’s education programs... something she said lawmakers are working to address.

“We passed a bill last year that asked the 36 districts in the state of Virginia who do not offer behind-the-wheel as part of high school driver’s education to get on board,” she said.

For McGee, the legislation is deeply personal. She said her advocacy is about saving lives and preventing other families from experiencing roadway tragedy.

“If one parent gets to wake up with their child tomorrow morning because of what I’m doing, that makes it all worthwhile,” she said.

13News Now reached out to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for comment. A spokesperson said the agency does not believe it would be appropriate to discuss pending legislation.

McGee said she remains hopeful House Bill 1224 will become law and help protect young drivers across the Commonwealth.