According to a new report by The Ohio Public Interest Research Group, the number of teen drivers in the state has slowly been decreasing. Nonetheless, the percentage of teen drivers who have caused accidents over the past three years has remained steady.
The recently released report found that many drivers, especially teens, are driving much less than those that are older than them. Additionally, the number of people between the ages of 16 to 20 who obtained a license in the past decade has dropped by more than eight percent. The reasons for this drop could be increased public transportation and the high costs associated with owning a car.
Unfortunately, despite the decreased number of licensed teen drivers, thousands of teens are still the cause of auto accidents across the state. Drivers under the age of 20 have continually caused the most accidents since 2011. The percentage of accidents caused by teen drivers remained at 8.7 percent between 2012 and 2013. Interestingly, since 2011, the number of teens under 15 years of age who caused a collision has increased by nearly one percent.
According to the State Highway Patrol, officers have written more than 115,000 citations for teen drivers during that same time period. Teen drivers are much more likely to engage in risky behaviors while behind the wheel, from texting and driving to speeding.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash caused by a teen driver, the victim may be entitled to file a claim for damages. A car accident lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you fight for your right to fair and just compensation.