Author: Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP
“New York Personal Injury Attorneys”
Our Family Serving Yours for Over 60 Years
For many years statistics have shown that teenagers are more at risk for car accident injuries and deaths than other drivers. Their lack of experience, inability to make safe judgment calls, and willingness to violate speed limits, alcohol, and seat belt laws have led to needless injuries and deaths. In response to this dilemma, a number of states passed stricter laws with the aim of reducing a teenager’s driving exposure for tragic accidents.
The New York Times recently reported that 15 states and Washington D.C. have passed laws that prohibit teenagers from driving with another teenager. Only seven states do not make it illegal to drive with more than one teenager. Such legal changes have arisen because statistics indicated that teenage traffic accident deaths increase proportionately to number of teenagers riding in the car with a teenage driver.
New York license restrictions for teenagers
New York increased the required teenagers’ driving hours for driver’s licenses from 20 to 50 hours. Teens that are not yet 18 when applying for a license must wait six months after receiving a learner’s permit before taking the road test. Once passing a road test, the teenager receives a junior driver’s license. This license comes with limitations, such as not being allowed to drive between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless under the supervisions of a parent, guardian, or driver who is 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. Also, supervising drivers must sit in the seat next to the junior licensed driver.
If your teenager is involved in an auto accident, seek legal help as soon as possible. At Sackstein, Sackstein, and Lee, LLP, our lawyers have decades of experience assisting families with serious accidents. Discuss your legal rights with an experienced New York City auto accident lawyer in a free consultation.