Good Work, Pennsylvania Teen Drivers!
The death rate for 16 and 17 year old drivers in the United States rose dramatically in the first half of 2012. According to a recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association the death rate for 16 and 17 year old drivers rose 19% in the first six months of 2012 when compared to the first six months of 2011. More specifically, 240 16 and 17 year old drivers died in the first six months of 2012 and many parents, relatives and friends were left grieving the sudden loss of a child.
Pennsylvania Teen Driver Safety Bucks the National Trend
While the death rate for young teen drivers increased nationally, Pennsylvania saw a significant decrease in 16 and 17 year old driver fatalities. From January – June 2011, ten 16 and 17 year old drivers died on Pennsylvania roads. However, from January – June 2012, six 16 and 17 year old drivers died in Pennsylvania crashes. That makes Pennsylvania one of just 17 states that saw a decrease. Only 3 states in the country had a larger decrease of young teen driver deaths than Pennsylvania.
As an accidental death lawyer, I express my sincere condolences to all of the families who lost young drivers last year and I hope Pennsylvania’s trend of decreased teen driving fatalities continues in 2013.
