Over the last 20 years both crash and fatality rates fell dramatically for drivers under the age of 21. The good news is crash and fatality rates fell and the bad news is this group is still the riskiest group behind the wheel of a vehicle. The crash rates for this group fell in all but 3 states and the District of Columbia.
Data from a non-profit group from the 2002-2021 period show fatal crashes dropping an impressive 38% while deaths of young drivers dropped by 45%. In comparison, drivers 21 and older saw fatal crashes rise 8% and deaths rise 11%. The report acknowledges that young people are driving less than they were 20 years ago and also highlighted other reasons for the improvement. One of the largest reasons for the improvement included state programs that phase in driving privileges which are known as graduated driver’s license laws. These laws restrict of even ban certain driving such as night driving or driving with peers in the car. The report suggested strengthening these laws to include 18- to 20-year-old drivers.
Other recommendations for further improvement include bolstering adult and parent participation in driver’s education, additional peer-to-peer education and making drivers education available to everyone. “Young drivers are the riskiest age group on the road and the reasons are straightforward – immaturity and inexperience” said Pam Schadel who authored the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report. Schadel went on to say “Many drivers simply don’t have the behind the wheel experience to recognize risk and take the appropriate corrective action to avoid a crash.” In 2022, America saw 42,975 people died on U.S. roadways. At the time the government described this fact as a national crisis and many factors are influencing the rise. The human cost is tragic.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We would be honored to represent you!
