The number of drivers who are injured or killed by an unlicensed or revoked license driver has increased in the last decade. Two separate reports have come out over the last few years that indicate these drivers pose more of a risk than ever before.
Recently, the California Department of Motor Vehicles came out with the “Fatal Crash Rates for Suspended/Revoked and Unlicensed Drivers” report. This report looked at crash data over 23 years, using statistics from the Federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“According to the report, fatal crashes involving unlicensed drivers (or with suspended or revolved licenses) have increased nearly 50 percent in California between 1998 and 2009. California’s numbers are considerably higher than the national percentage of 27 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes without valid licenses over the same time frame.” – www.timesheraldonline.com
In a separate report called “Unlicensed to Kill,” the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded that on average, 8,400 people die each year in crashes with unlicensed drivers. Additionally, for 28 percent of these drivers, this isn’t their first encounter with the law. These drivers received three or more license suspensions or revocations in the three years prior to their fatal collision.
“It’s like a revolving door. These people are being suspended and suspended and suspended again, and still, they’re driving,” said researcher Lindsay I. Griffin of the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University.” – abcnews.go.com
Nobody knows the exact number of unlicensed drivers on the road today. But, according to these reports, the illegal drivers involved in fatal crashes shared a few common characteristics.
- One-third were younger than 20.
- They were more likely male.
- They drove late at night or early in the morning.
Additionally, drivers with a suspended license were three times more likely to be intoxicated than those with a legal license. Drivers with a revoked license were four times more likely to be drunk.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed by someone with a revoked or suspended license, it’s important you contact a qualified car accident attorney. At Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation, we will make sure your case is handled with respect and you’re rewarded the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
