In The NewsTeen Driving Laws to be examined in South CarolinaApril 9, 2006 New evidence showing that the likelihood that teen drivers will get into a car accident is increased by the number of teen passengers in the car has set off a series of legal changes throughout the country. In 2004 some 5,600 teenagers were killed in vehicle accidents throughout the US. During that same year 139 teenaged drivers were killed in South Carolina, most of them young male drivers with teen passengers. While teens as a whole drive the least amount of hours than anyone else, besides people aged 70 and over, they are involved in many more accidents than others. The weekend was the worst time for teen drivers with 54 percent of all crashes taking place on Friday, Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 9pm and midnight. Laws being passed in other states are trying to combat the problem by raising the driving age in some instances to limiting the number of teen passengers a teen driver can have in their car at any time. Some states, including South Carolina, are considering litigation that would limit the evening driving hours of some teens. Insurance premiums for teen drivers are at their highest ever throughout South Carolina, according to Sue Ferguson, the Senior Vice President of Research for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The statistics regarding teen passengers are staggering. The chance that a teen driver will be involved in an auto accident doubles when the teen has other teens in the car. Over half of the crashes in 2003 took place with multiple teen passengers. Sex seems to play a role as well, with the majority of accidents involving male teen drivers with male passengers. The accident rate for male drivers with female passengers is much lower. Despite the statistics it is unclear exactly what they mean. They do, however, point to a growing problem with teen drivers and South Carolina legislators are pushing for new laws to try and stem the rate of teen motor vehicle deaths. South Carolina currently has a set of graduated laws for teens. Passed in 1998 the laws require certain teens to be able to drive only from 6 pm to 6 am and undergo extensive driving instruction. Several national studies are taking place that are targeting why the teen driver is so at risk for having a motor vehicle accident or death. Because motor vehicle accidents can be one of the worst kinds of accidents anyone can have happen to it is important to have experienced legal representation if you have been in a car accident. The Louthian Law Firm is one of the state’s oldest and most experienced law firms in the field of auto safety and driver’s rights. In practice since 1959 we have had experience dealing with all kinds of auto vehicle accident cases throughout South Carolina. Call or contact our office with any of your vehicle accident questions at any time for free. You are never obligated to hire us and we will always let you know all of your options before you make a decision. Contact our office for more information about the new legal changes that are being made throughout South Carolina. By keeping yourself informed you will be able to retain your rights and protect yourself and your family from harm. back to articlesSouth Carolina Auto Accident Lawyer Disclaimer: The automobile accident, car crash, motor vehicle accident, auto collision, or other legal personal injury information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Further communication with our attorneys through the website and email may not be considered as confidential or privileged. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of South Carolina. |
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