New Jersey Teen Accident Death Rates Continue to Decline
For a third year in a row, there has been a drop in the number of teen drivers and passengers killed in auto accidents in New Jersey. This year, the number of teen motorists and passengers killed was 59. That was a drop from 68 in 2007, and 73 in 2006. Those numbers were announced by the Teen Driver Study Commission at an event to mark National Teen Driver Safety week, which was marked in New Jersey this past week.
There is plenty of reason to be encouraged. According to Commission chairwoman Pam Fischer, four of the 14 recommendations included in the commission’s 2008 report, were enacted. Fatality rates could drop further as Kyleigh’s law goes into effect on the 1st of May. Under the law, drivers below the age of 21, who hold provisional licenses or permits, will be required to display a decal announcing their status. When the law comes into effect, law enforcement in New Jersey will be able to identify teen motorists very easily. The decals will be displayed on both front and rear license plates. With this, New Jersey will become the first state in the country to require identification decals for teen motorists.
There is more encouraging news on the teen motorist safety front. The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey has launched a new website, which provides parents and teen motorists a wealth of resources to encourage safe driving, and prevent accidents. According to spokespersons for the Association, teen motorists between the age of 15 and 24 are at a high risk of accident-related brain injuries.
As a New Jersey personal injury lawyer, it has been my aim to focus attention on such initiatives, through this blog. I am optimistic that when all recommendations of the Commission are implemented, we will see more reductions in these fatality rates.
