Fatal Gwinnett County Car Accident Reminds of Continuing Danger Posed by Teen Drivers

A 70-year-old man was killed in a collision with a 17-year-old female driver when the teen made a left-hand turn in front of the fatality victim, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The teen driver has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and failure to yield.

She allegedly admitted that the accident was her fault and that she did not see the other vehicle when she turned left into its path. While the accident is still under investigation, teen drivers are disproportionately involved in auto collisions resulting in permanent injury and wrongful death.

Because teen drivers lack maturity and experience behind the wheel, they are much more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents than other drivers. The tendency of teen drivers to cause car accidents is evidenced by the fact that auto collisions are responsible for 35 percent of teenage fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Automobile collisions are the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15 and 20.

Studies reveal that driving ability increases with experience in responding to road emergencies like safely changing lanes or reducing speed rapidly to avoid hazards. Lack of experience is also frequently combined with high risk driving behaviors by teen motorists. Common unsafe driving behaviors that contribute to teen driving car accidents and serious injuries include:

• Drugged driving
• Speeding
• Fatigued or drowsy driving
• Reckless driving
• Cell phone use
• Texting
• Failure to use seatbelts
• Nighttime driving
• DUI
• Inattentive driving (talking to passengers, adjusting radio, eating)

Georgia’s graduated license program is intended to reduce the danger posed to teenagers and victims of careless teen drivers. This program for incrementally granting driving privileges is intended to allow teen drivers an opportunity to reduce the number of risk factors until teens have accumulated experience behind the wheel. Teenagers initially receive a restricted intermediate license that includes certain restrictions, such as limiting driving hours from midnight to 6 a.m. and limitations on the passengers that a teen driver can transport.

Our Gwinnett County Georgia accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates are available to provide effective legal representation to clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.