Teenagers on the cusp of independence are eager to get behind the wheel and enjoy the open road, but many times their excitement can leave them blind to the perils of Ohio's streets and highways, and this ignorance-is-bliss mindset can cause them to disregard many common sense road rules. Impatient young drivers are the cause of thousands of automotive traffic accidents each year and teenagers are some of the most distracted drivers that traverse our roadways every day. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2008 there were 211 fatalities resulting from teen driving accidents in the state of Ohio alone. Nationally the same year there were 6,428 individuals who died because they were a driver, passenger, passer-by or an occupant of the opposing vehicle that was involved with a teen driver. Statistically speaking, crash risk is the greatest in the 16 to 19-year-old age bracket, and generally this group exhibits both a sense of invincibility and a lack of skill that are huge contributing factors. Keeping teens safe during this risky window in their young lives is paramount, as is ensuring that teen drivers do not harm other innocent motorists on the road. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a teen drivers negligence, you may be eligible for compensation due to the physical, emotional and mental trauma you sustained as a result of the accident. The attorneys at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy believe that teens should be kept safe from harm as they learn to be independent, but that negligent drivers need to be brought to justice if their actions caused your injuries. We understand that the days following an auto accident can be some of the scariest you may ever encounter, which is why we are always behind our clients 100%, fighting for their rights in the courtroom. To find out how we can help, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form located on the right side of this page. The details of your case will always be kept confidential, there is never any obligation to proceed and it is 100% FREE.
Causes Of Teen Driver Accidents
The NHTSA reports three main reasons for teen driver accidents, although the specific details of each case will vary depending on the circumstances. The most common causes of teen driver accidents include:- Driver inexperience
- Influence of drugs or alcohol
- Not wearing a seat belt
Graduated Driver Licensing Program
In the state of Ohio, teens can obtain their driver license in several stages, which allows for a gradual increase in the amount of responsibility a young driver is given. This type of licensing is known as a graduated license. In order to obtain a graduated license, drivers must:- Be at least 15 ½ years old for a temporary permit. A knowledge test must be taken at the DMV to receive the permit. The teen is allowed to drive with a licensed parent, guardian or driving instructor.
- At 16, the driver can operate a motor vehicle with a licensed driver who is 21-years-old or older.
- Between 16 and 18-years-old, permit holders will not be allowed to drive between midnight and 6 a.m.
- When 50 hours of certified driving experience has been reached, return to the DMV to purchase a full driver license
