Correlation Between the Number of Teen Passengers and the Car Accident Rate in San Diego
A study by AAA was published in May 2012 that discussed the connection between teen drivers with other young passengers and San Diego car accidents. The study showed that the risk of fatal car accidents in San Diego increases dramatically when 16- or 17-year-old drivers have other teenage passengers. We can all understand why this would be true, poor concentration while driving is still not second nature, and “trying to impress” can be attributed to this.
• When a teen driver had a passenger in the car under the age of 21, the chances of fatal accidents increase by 44%.
• When there were two or more teenage passengers, the risk doubled.
• The risk of death is quadrupled when there are 3 or more children under the age of 21 in the car.
• 40% of the deaths of 16-17 year old drivers in the years 2000-2012 involved teenage drivers and at least one other passenger 21 years old or younger.
Looking at the data from the study, it also showed that when a teenager drives with an adult over the age of 35, the probability of a fatal accident dropped by 62%.
Reduction of teenage deaths in driving accidents
State licensing agencies will not be surprised by this study and the statistics it provides. Beginning in the 1990s, states in the United States began enacting laws that aimed to reduce the number of passengers allowed to our youngest drivers. Known as Graduated Driver’s License Laws (GDL), they set out to prevent young drivers from finding themselves in high-risk situations, one of which was driving with younger passengers in the car. The different GLD laws have three stages.
• Apprentice
• Intermediate
• Full privilege
As you level up, there are fewer restrictions on driving.
• 32 states restrict the use or ban of cell phones for novice drivers. This includes those under the age of 18 or students.
• 45 states have passenger restrictions for anyone in the middle stage. Most states say that for the first 6 months to a year of driving, there can be no passengers under the age of 21.
• Night driving is restricted in 48 states for intermediate stage and new drivers.
As more attention is paid to teen drivers and potential distractions, and as new GDL laws are enacted, there is hope that teen deaths while driving will be reduced. New drivers need time to become better drivers and help reduce the fatal car accident statistics in San Diego. Parents can help by encouraging their teens not to drive in groups and to focus more on their driving.
A San Diego car accident attorney could help you if you are involved in a traffic accident, contact us and make an appointment.