The Georgia Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) governs how drivers ages 15 -18 can initially get their driver's licenses. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, TADRA was enacted to directly address the problem of fatal traffic accidents. However, could the Georgia graduated license system simply be shifting the risk of fatal crashes?

New Study Finds Graduated Licenses May Have Unintended Effects

A new nationwide study published in the September 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reviews fatal crashes over almost two decades. Specifically, researchers looked at fatal accidents involving 16 -19 year olds that occurred from 1986 -2007, and their results upset and surprised them.

Researchers found that while states with graduated licensing systems, such as Georgia, saw a decrease in fatal crashes among 16-year-olds, they also saw an increase in fatal crashes among 18-year-olds. In other words, the risk of fatal crashes was simply shifted to older teens. One purported reason for the shift is that many teens simply put off obtaining a license until age 18, when the graduated rules no longer apply and it is easier to become a fully licensed driver.

When to Contact Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyers

Atlanta teen car accidents are serious, potentially fatal events not only for the teen driver but also for his or her passengers and anyone else involved in the crashes. If you, or your child, have been hurt by a teenage driver, then you may have the right to compensation for your unpaid medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering.

To learn more, please contact an experienced Atlanta auto accident attorney today for a free consultation by filling out our online contact form or by calling us at 1.770.518.1133. You can also download a copy of our FREE book: 4 Common Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Georgia Car or Truck Claim to learn more about protecting your rights.