Car accident rates among teen drivers in southern states rank is among the highest in the country. The State of Mississippi is no exception.  It is one of the top ten states in the nation with regard to the number of teen related auto accidents.  Mississippi officials blame various reasons for the high rate of teen accidents including lenient enforcement of speeding and alcohol laws as well as tree-lined streets and inadequate seat belt laws.

In an effort to reduce its teen auto accident rate, Mississippi closely monitors its Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL). The GDL applies to teens ages 15-16. In order to drive an automobile, 15 year olds must have a valid learner’s permit and they must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, driver instructor or a person that is 21 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license at all times. The designated driver also must occupy the seat next to the driver at all times.

The next step for a Mississippi teen taking part in the GDL system is to obtain an intermediate license. A teenager must be 15 ½ years old to obtain this intermediate or “Class Y” license. The teen must also hold the intermediate license for 6 months. Additionally, according to the intermediate licensing rules, a teen can drive unsupervised only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

To obtain a learner license, teens must provide the following documentation to the Mississippi Department of Motor Vehicles:

•    Social security card
•    Proof of identity
•    Certified copy of birth certificate
•    Proof of residence
•    Proof of school enrollment
•    Signature of parent or legal guardian on the application
•    $4 Learner’s Permit fee

In addition, a teenager must pass a written exam and vision test. The same documentation is required to obtain an intermediate license as well as a $6 fee.

To obtain an unrestricted driver’s license, a teenager must be 16 years of age and have held an intermediate license for a minimum of 6 months with a clean record. In addition to the documentation above, the teenager must provide proof of graduation or enrollment in a public, private, or home school or a GED. For a teenager 17 or older, the teen must have been issued a permit, but the intermediate license is not required.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, evaluations of GDL programs have been strongly positive, with auto accident reductions generally in the 20-40 percent range.  Studies have also shown that graduated driver licensing programs reduced overall car accident fatalities among 15-17 year olds by 5.6 percent or 131 teen deaths per year. However, more rigorous graduated driver licensing programs or “good” programs were more effective in reducing fatalities by 19.2 percent.  Mississippi’s GDL program has been described as “fair” in that it has been shown to reduce overall teen traffic fatalities by 5.8 percent per year. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that more studies are needed of the effects of driving permit policies in general, in particular the amount of delay that is generated as well as the overall effects.

At Barrett Law, PLLC, our Mississippi accident lawyers have been representing residents in Lexington and throughout Mississippi in serious motor vehicle accidents for over 75 years.  We offer a free initial case evaluation so that we can assess your case and advise you of your rights so contact us today at (662) 834-2376.