Car Accidents with Permit Drivers in NJ

Receiving your learner’s permit is an incredibly exciting experience. To help ensure the safety of young and new drivers in New Jersey, they need to go through a multi-stage process called the graduated licensing program (GDL). This program provides specific instructions, requirements, restrictions, and laws that permit drivers must follow to get their probationary license and, finally, the first unrestricted driver’s license.

While getting your first-ever driver’s license is exciting, it also comes with an increased risk of car crashes if you are not careful.

How Car Accidents with Permit Drivers Happen

Teens between 16 and 19 have a higher risk of car crashes than any other age group. They are also three times more likely to die in car crashes. The main risk factors that endanger the lives of young drivers and the people they share the road with include the following:

Inexperience

Teenagers and new drivers usually underestimate risky driving situations or are not as capable of recognizing dangerous situations as older, more experienced drivers. This makes them more likely to make mistakes that can result in severe crashes or death.

Distracted Driving

Being distracted negatively impacts driving performance for drivers of all ages, but it can be particularly hazardous for inexperienced drivers. The distracted driving rules in New Jersey are more stringent than the rules for experienced drivers because they cannot use any kind of hand-held and hands-free devices while driving.

Speeding

Teens have a tendency to drive faster than older drivers and follow other motor vehicles too closely. These dangerous driving practices are even worse in the presence of male teen passengers.

Weekend and Nighttime Driving

While driving at night is inherently more dangerous than daytime driving for all drivers, it is especially riskier for teen drivers. Almost 45% of car crash fatalities among teens between 13 and 19 happened on Friday to Sunday from 9 PM to 6 AM.

Drinking Alcohol and Using Drugs

Drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel raises the risk of car crashes among teenage drivers. They also have an increased risk of getting into an accident than older drivers with the same blood alcohol concentration level (BAC), even at levels below the allowable limit for adults.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal, it can also be deadly. This includes driving while intoxicated or impaired by marijuana, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and even certain OTC medications. They can have negative effects on decision-making, reaction time, judgment, and motor coordination, which are all very crucial for driving safely.

Seek Legal Guidance From a Skilled New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a car crash involving a permit driver in NJ, you can turn to the New Jersey car accident attorneys at Leonard Legal Group to explore your legal options. Reach us online or call 973-984-1414 to arrange your free consultation with our New Jersey car accident attorney and learn how we can help you recover compensation to cover all the expenses you incurred because of the crash.