A 73-year-old woman was run over by a 19-year-old driver in a Fort Lauderdale teen car accident. The woman was walking through her neighborhood around 6:30 a.m. when the young motorist struck her, according to New Times BPB.
Officers report that the teen had been drinking. After the accident, he left the woman’s body lying in the street and parked his car at his house down the road. His mother called the Sheriff’s Office after discovering her son’s bloody car with a shattered windshield and dented hood. The boy was later taken into custody and charged with the woman’s death. He’s facing charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and DUI manslaughter, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
After hearing stories like this, about teen drivers endangering Florida residents, it’s no surprise that these young, inexperienced drivers have been placed on the National Transportation Safety Board‘s (NTSB) “most wanted” list. Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers encourage parents to get involved with their teen’s driving. It is important to teach them safe and cautious driving habits while monitoring their driving abilities. With education and enforcement from parents, driving organizations and government, we can help to properly trains our newly licensed drivers and make our roadways a little bit safer.
The NTSB recommends that state government enforce some sort of graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. This is a driving program that allows young, novice drivers to learn and practice skills a little bit at a time before earning full driving privileges.
Back in 1996, the state of Florida established the Graduated Licensing System. The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles requires that young drivers demonstrate responsible driving habits and behaviors in each stage of licensing before they’re able to advance to the next.
In Florida, teens have to drive under the following restrictions as they venture towards obtaining a full driver’s license:
-15-years-old: A teen is allowed to get their learner’s permit. Under this license, a teen must always have a licensed driver 21years of age or older in the passenger seat. During the first three months of this stage, driving is limited to daylight hours only. After three months, the driving hours are extended 10:00 p.m.
-16-years-old: Drivers can drive without a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the passenger seat. They are only allowed to drive alone between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. If they are to drive outside of these allotted hours, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21-years-old in the passenger seat, or be traveling to or from work.
-17-years-old: Teens can now drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. Again, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver that is at least 21-years-old if they wish to drive outside of these hours, or be traveling to or from work.
-18-years-old: A teen is now eligible to be fully licensed. They are allowed to drive during any hour of the day without a licensed passenger requirement.
According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, states with a strong teen driver safety program typically sees 40 percent lower rates of injury accident involvement among 16-year-old drivers. Still, Florida saw nearly 400 teen driver deaths in 2009 alone. Parents are urged to get involved and be active in their teen’s driving experience to help reduce these fatality numbers.
If you or someone you know have been injured in a car accident in West Palm Beach, Margate, Port St. Lucie, or the surrounding areas call 800-529-2368 for a free consultation.
Additional Resources:
Boca Raton Teen Charged in Driving Death That Left Dismembered 73-Year-Old Along the Street, by Matthew Hendley, New Times BPB
More Blog Entries:
Decreased Number of Roadway Fatalities not to be Taken Lightly for West Palm Beach Car Accidents , South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, April 9, 2011
Aggressive driving linked to nearly 1,000 fatal Florida car accidents , South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, February 12, 2011
Teens not only victims of car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce , South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, February 6, 2011