Virginia Teen Driving Fatalities Rising

Jun 6, 2013 | Auto Accidents

The number of teenage drivers who die in car crashes rose substantially in 2011 and 2012, according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association. The GHSA compared teen accident fatalities for the first six months of 2011 and 2012.

In Virginia, the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers who died in car accidents tripled during the first six months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Nationwide, the GHSA study showed that teenage driving deaths are up 19%. This is alarming news for parents and public safety officials.

From 2002-2010, teen driver car wreck fatalities declined steadily, even though traffic accidents remained the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-old Americans.

Virginia has taken steps to help young drivers stay safe and avoid traffic accidents. Teens who want a license are required to participate in drivers’ education and behind-the-wheel training. There is also a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence.

Virginia has a three-tiered process for licensing teens to drive, and youths under 18 years of age are limited to provisional licenses that restrict nighttime driving and carrying passengers.

But with 92,000 new Virginia drivers getting licenses each year, many inexperienced teen drivers are on the Virginia roads. There is no doubt that young drivers are far more likely to get into car accidents than older motorists.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that for each mile behind the wheel, teen drivers are three times more likely to have a fatal car accident than drivers older than the age of 19. In 2011, Virginia’s DMV recorded 20,901 car accidents where a teenager was behind the wheel.

Teen driving accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. Families in Richmond, Virginia are often devastated when their young drivers die or suffer serious, life-altering injuries in automobile accidents.

The accident attorneys at Geoff McDonald and Associates PC, based in Richmond, represent clients in personal injury cases, assuring that those who are harmed in car accidents, truck crashes, and other auto collisions receive the compensation they deserve.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents in Virginia?

    Power trucking accidents are one of the most dangerous types of road accidents, and they differ significantly from car accidents in several ways. The most apparent difference between a truck and a car is their size and weight. Trucks are much bigger and heavier than...

    What to Do if You’re Hurt in a Virginia Multi-Vehicle Crash

    Any car accident has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and property damage, and multi-vehicle accidents can dramatically increase those risks.  Multiple-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles, which also complicates determining fault and...

    How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Truck Accident Case in Virginia?

    Truck accidents are some of the deadliest vehicle accidents that occur across Virginia, especially when commercial trucks collide with smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck collision, you may ask, “Do I have a valid truck accident case?”...

    Is It Illegal to Tailgate Behind another Car in Virginia?

    Following too closely in Virginia is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine beginning at $81. Tailgating in Virginia is not only a moving traffic violation that could result in demerit points on your driver’s license, but is also dangerous to drivers and passengers...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald