Teen driver fatalities up across country, down in CA

March 13, 2013

Recently, the Governors Highway Safety Association released a report regarding the number of teenage drivers who were killed in motor vehicle accidents during the first half of 2012. According to the report, the number of 16- and 17-year old driver fatalities rose during the first six months of 2012, the first increase seen in that demographic since 2002.

From January through June 2012, 240 teenage drivers aged 16 and 17 died in auto accidents -- a 19 percent increase from the same period the year prior. In 2011, there were 202 16- and 17-year-old driver fatalities during the first half of the year.

According to the report, California was one of 17 states with a decrease in the number of teen driver fatalities during the first six months of 2012. In 2011, six 16-and 17-year old drivers died in motor vehicle accidents during the first half of the year -- in 2012, that number fell to four.

Despite this improvement, some law enforcement officers point out that teens are still often involved in accidents caused by distracted driving. According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, teenage drivers are at fault for 74 percent of the fatal accidents in which they are involved. Teenage drivers are also the demographic most likely to be involved in a distracted driving accident. Of all the teenage drivers involved in deadly accidents, 11 percent were distracted at the time of the collision, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Does CA need stricter teen distracted driving laws?

Currently, novice drivers in California are prohibited from using any type of cellphone -- including both handheld and hands-free -- when behind the wheel.

A California state senator has introduced a bill to ensure the laws meant to prevent teen distracted driving are clear. The proposed legislation would clarify the law already on the books, specifically stating that texting is prohibited while driving, even if using certain new technologies. For instance, under the suggested law, teens would be prohibited from using voice-activated devices, such as Siri, to send text messages while on the road.

California has other laws governing distracted driving, aimed at all motorists. For instance, all drivers in California are prohibited from using handheld cellphones while on the road. In addition, California drivers are not allowed to text while behind the wheel. Bus drivers are subject to the same restrictions as novice drivers --they are not allowed to use cellphones while driving, even if they have hands-free technology.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, consulting with a skilled, California personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.

Article provided by The Kreeger Law Firm
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