Benefits of Passenger Restrictions to Prevent Teen Traffic Fatalities
Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Note the Benefits of Passenger Restrictions to Prevent Teen Traffic Fatalities
There are a growing number of states, such as Georgia, that impose limits on the ability of inexperienced teen drivers to transport friends in their vehicle. These restrictions are designed to prevent a key driving distraction that might contribute to car accidents involving teenage drivers. The restrictions apply to teen drivers who receive a provisional driver's license in Georgia. The other purpose of these restrictions is to discourage groups of teenagers from consuming alcohol and then climbing into a motor vehicle together. This type of restriction is increasingly common in many states, and a study offers compelling evidence that the limitation imposed on new teen drivers saves lives.
Teen Drivers Lead All Age Groups in Accident Fatality Rates
Despite significant efforts to reduce the risk of teenage car accidents, new, inexperienced drivers continue to pose the highest risk of causing a fatal car accident. The scope of the risk posed when inexperienced teen drivers transport other teenagers becomes clear when a few statistics are considered:
• Car accidents are the leading cause of fatalities for teens between the ages of 13-19.
• Motor vehicle accidents account for one-third of all deaths for teens between 13-19.
• Sixty percent of teen traffic fatalities involve vehicles driven by other teenagers.
• The teen accident fatality rate increases with each additional passenger.
These statistics make a compelling case for the benefits of restricting the ability of teenagers to transport teen passengers. Unfortunately, this restriction can sometimes be difficult to enforce particularly when parents turn a blind eye to such conduct. The failure of some parents to restrict their teenager from transporting friends has contributed to a continuing high rate of accidents that result in teen fatalities.
Data Shows the Risk of Teen Traffic Fatalities Rises with Increasing Number of Teen Passengers
A study released by the American Automobile Association quantifies the benefits garnered by restricting teen drivers from transporting other teens. The study indicates that the presence of teen passengers dramatically increases the risk of car accident-related fatalities. The study revealed the following impact on fatalities rates:
• The fatality rate increases 44 percent with a single passenger under 21.
• The fatality rate doubles with two passengers under 21.
• The fatality rate is three times higher when transporting three passengers under 21.
Ironically, the study found the opposite impact on fatality rates when a teen driver transports a passenger 35 or older. A teen driver's fatality rate drops by almost two-thirds when a passenger age 35 or older is in the vehicle. Presumably, the presence of an older more experienced driver discourages high-risk driving behavior. The takeaway from this data is that parents should refuse to permit their kids to transport other teens. Parents also should discourage their teens from agreeing to be a passenger in a car with a teen driver. If your child or teenager is injured in a car accident, our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers provide compassionate and aggressive legal representation to those who sustained injury because of another negligent person or party.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Experience to Work For Your Car Accident Claim in Georgia
If you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one because of a careless or inattentive driver, our experienced Atlanta trucking accident lawyers strive for the fullest compensation under the law for personal injury and wrongful death victims. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, 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.
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
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Atlanta, GA 30329
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