There were more teen drivers who were killed in Arizona car accidents in the first half of 2011 in comparison to the same time frame in 2010. Arizona was one of the 23 states that saw an increase in teen driver deaths during this time, according to a recently released report from the Governor Highway Safety Association (GHSA).The recent report from the GHSA looked at the number of 16- to 17-year-old drivers who died in car accidents during the first six months of 2011 and compared those stats to the figures from the same time in 2010. During the study, there was an increase of 7 percent in the number of 17-year-old drivers who were killed and a 16 percent increase in the number of 16-year-old drivers who were killed. These statistics formed an overall increase of 11 percent. The report was headed by Dr. Allan Williams, the former chief scientist for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Our Arizona teen car accident attorneys understand that news of the increase in teen driver deaths was released as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report stating that the number if overall roadway fatalities had decreased by nearly one percent during the same time. In the GHSA’s report, there were 23 states that reported increases, 19 that reported decreases and 8 that stayed the exact same. North Carolina, Texas and Florida were a few of the states that reported the most significant increases during this time.
Williams says that the significant increases in teen driver deaths across the country can be attributed to the specific laws of each state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program and the fact that they’re quickly losing steam. A lot of these laws have been in place for quite some time now and aren’t getting the enforcement efforts they once did. A second reason for the increase, according to Williams, is that the improving economy is calling more teens to our roadways. With teens spending more time on our roadways, their risks for an accident are increasing quickly.
“While it is not a surprise that these numbers are stabilizing or slightly increasing, states should not accept these deaths as something that cannot be prevented,” says Dr. Williams.
The chairman of GHSA, Troy E. Costales, says that GDL programs need to be revamped. He says that the laws need to be strengthened and enforced more. This is one good way to help keep an eye on our teen’s safety at the wheel. He also urged parents to get involved. In numerous studies, it’s been proven that positive parental involvement can help shape responsible driving habits for young drivers. Car accidents continue to be the leading killer for teens in the country. With better oversight and education efforts, we can help to equip these young drivers with the skills they need to stay safe on our roadways.
If you or your newly-licensed driver has been involved in a car accident in Arizona, contact us online or call (602) 819-5191 for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and there are no lawyer fees unless a recovery is made on your behalf.
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