We have previously addressed the value of graduated licensing programs that grant driving privileges in stages to new teenage drivers. There has been widespread speculation that such programs reduce the risk of accidents caused by teen drivers and prevent many potential car accident victims from suffering catastrophic injuries or fatalities. While graduated driver’s license programs have been successful in reducing teen accident rates and the volume of teen accident fatalities, fatal auto accidents remain the leading cause of death for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19. However, a new study suggests that programs that gradually implement driving privileges to inexperienced teenage drivers do prevent car accidents. The study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) reveals that prohibiting new teenage drivers from carrying teenage passengers substantially reduces teen fatality rates associated with car accidents.
The AAA study revealed that teenage drivers are more likely to die in a car accident when operating a motor vehicle with other teenagers in the car. Moreover, the data also indicated that the probability that a teenage driver will be involved in a fatal accident increases as the number of teenage passengers in the vehicle increases. The specific finding of the AAA study were as follows:
- One teen passenger increased the risk of the driver dying in a fatal accident by 44%.
- If a teen driver has two teenage passengers, the driver fatality rate jumps to 66%.
- When a teen driver transports three teenage passengers, the driver fatality rate triples.
There are presumably several reasons for this significant increase in car accident fatalities for teen drivers. The most likely factor is that passengers in the vehicle increase the distractions to a teen driver. The driver may be carrying on conversations with multiple vehicle occupants so that the driver’s concentration is diverted from driving. It is also likely that there may be other types of distractions present because other teens may attempt to show the driver text messages on their cell phones. The final factor that may be relevant in explaining the fatality rate is the increased probability that the car will end up with a pack of intoxicated teenagers, including the driver.
Unfortunately, Mississippi’s graduated driver’s license program does not restrict the ability of new teen drivers to have teenage passengers. Given the enormous danger of having multiple teenagers in the car, parents should consider prohibiting their kids from transporting teenage passengers. It also may be advisable to refuse to allow your teenagers to ride as a passenger when their peers are driving. At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.
