It is common knowledge that teenage drivers are one of the most likely groups to be in automobile accidents and fatalities. Nationwide efforts to correct this issue steadily decrease the number of deaths involving teenage drivers. However, for the first time in a decade, the number of fatalities involving teenage drivers is increasing.
Increase in Auto Accidents
The Governors’ Highway Safety Association reported in 2015 a 10% rise in teenage driving accidents from the year before. Moreover, teenagers still have 1.6 times the chance of being in a collision, in comparison to adult drivers.
What Can be Done?
Training programs for new drivers have proven effective. Every state, including Alaska, requires new drivers under the age of 18 to participate in graduated licensing requirements. These programs often require teens to have a certain amount of supervised driving practice, as well as to take training courses. However, anyone over the age of 18 can obtain a full driver’s license without passing through the graduating licensing requirements. Not surprisingly, the number of deaths caused by 15-17 year old drivers is now less than the fatalities produced by drivers between the ages of 18-20.
Graduated Licenses In Alaska
Graduated licensing rules significantly reduce crash rates for young drivers by eliminating high-risk behaviors. Alaskan Law:
- Prohibits teenagers from driving at night between 1:00-5:00 A.M., unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older; and
- Limits the number of non-family passengers under the age of 21 that a new teen driver can have in the car, unless a parent or guardian is present.
Accidents With Teen Drivers
Even the best training programs cannot entirely eliminate automobile accidents involving teenagers. The good news is that teen drivers are subject to the same insurance requirements as adults. In Alaska, all drivers must have the minimum $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident bodily injury liability coverage. However, medical costs and lost wages can easily surpass these minimums, and that does not include damages for pain and suffering. This is where the services of an Alaskan personal injury lawyer can be invaluable.
If you are in a car accident with a teenage driver, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Alaska. Merdes Law Office is Board Certified and ready to help you if you are seriously injured in a wreck. For a free initial consultation, contact the Merdes Law at 907-452-5400, or visit www.Merdes.com for further information. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
