In the United States, teenagers drive less than all but the oldest people. Yet, their numbers of crashes and crash deaths are disproportionately high. Using data from the National Household Travel Survey, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16-19 year-olds is nearly 3 times the rate for drivers ages 20 and over. Risk is highest at ages 16-17. How do we help prevent auto accidents involving Alaska teens?

Auto Accidents And Alaska Teens

A significant percentage of Alaska traffic fatalities and major injuries involve teen drivers (ages 14-19). Roughly 20% of fatalities and major injuries on Alaskan roads and highways involve young drivers, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Specifically, Alaska has a high percentage of fatal crashes involving young drivers compared to other states, with 17.1% of all traffic fatalities involving young drivers.

Alaska’s Preventive Measures

Training programs for new drivers prove effective. Every state, including Alaska, requires new drivers under the age of 18 to participate in graduated licensing requirements. These programs often require supervised driving practice as well as to training courses. However, anyone over the age of 18 can obtain a full driver’s license without passing through the graduating licensing requirements. Not surprisingly, the number of deaths caused by 15-17 year old drivers is now less than fatalities associated with drivers between the ages of 18-20.

Graduated License Program For Alaska Teens

In 2004 the Alaska State Legislature started a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program. The GDL system allows young drivers to pursue their full, unrestricted driver’s license. Before GDL, Alaska only required drivers under 18 to obtain a learner’s permit for 6-months before testing for an unrestricted driver’s license. The GDL adds several important protections for new drivers related to when, where, with whom, and how Alaska teens can drive.

First, the teen driver must earn a Provisional License. Then, they are subject to several driving limitations during the first 6 months. Consequently, graduated licensing rules significantly reduce crash rates for young drivers by eliminating high-risk behaviors through rules such as:

• Prohibiting teens from driving between 1:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older. (The law provides exception for driving to and from work as well as emergencies); and
• Limiting the number of non-family passengers under the age of 21 in vehicles with a teen driver, without a parent or guardian.

Alaska Teens And Auto Accidents

Even the best training programs will not entirely eliminate auto accidents involving teens. The good news is that Alaska teens are subject to the same insurance requirements as Alaska adult drivers. In the State of Alaska, all drivers must have the minimum $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident bodily injury liability coverage. However, medical costs and lost wages can easily surpass these minimums. As a result, the services of an Alaskan personal injury lawyer become critical.

If you are in a car accident with a teenage driver or any driver, please contact an experienced Alaska personal injury attorney. 

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska auto accident case. We are here to serve you if you are seriously injured in an auto accident.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Federal Highway Administration; Alaska Highway Safety Office

Image Source: AAA Newsroom