Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Our Boston personal injury lawyers frequently report that teen drivers are most at risk of getting into a car accident in Boston.
Sadly, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The Boston Herald reported on the recent death of a 19-year-old driver who lost control of his vehicle on Route 93 and fell onto an entry ramp over 30 feet below. It is still unclear why the teen lost control and the accident is still being investigated. The teen driver was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2009 that there were roughly 3,000 teens ages 15 to 19 fatally injured and over 350,000 were hospitalized for injuries sustained in a car crash.
Drivers 16 to 19 years old are 4 times more likely to crash than any other age group when comparing per miles driven. It is startling to think that an average of 8 teens ages 16 to 19 died every day in 2009 as a result of injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes.
Studies show that states that have a graduated drivers licensing program greatly reduce death and injuries to teen drivers. In fact, an article in The Boston Globe reported that the number of fatal accidents has decreased 75% for young drivers under 18 in Massachusetts in the last three years.
In recent years, the state mandated stricter penalties for teens committing violations, in addition to making it tougher to obtain a driver’s license in the state. Since passing the laws in 2006, speeding tickets for young drivers have plummeted by 60%; similarly, seat-belt violations for drivers and occupants have diminished at a comparable rate. Word of mouth has been a powerful resource in this instance. Teens are driving more responsibly in Massachusetts after hearing horror stories told by their friends following the consequences of a violation.
To obtain everything you need to know about how to acquire your junior operator license in Massachusetts, visit http://www.mass.gov/rmv/jol/index.htm for full list of details including driving tips, statistics, what to expect, and what the law requires.
Young drivers in Massachusetts should always remember to buckle up and drive safely.
If you have been involved in an accident, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for assistance. Call for a free consultation at 877-617-5333.