Teen Car Accidents in New York are more likely when these young drivers don't get a thorough driving education.  While parents are asked to step in and mentor their young drivers, the state also contributes its graduated driver licensing (GDL) law to the effort.  With the holidays upon us, we can expect our roadways to be busier and for accident risks to increase.

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Our New York Car Accidents Lawyers understand that the lives of nearly 30 teens are expected to be saved ever year because of the education and restrictions provided by our state's GDL program.  USA TODAY reports that nearly 2,000 lives could be saved every year if all states had a comprehensive GDL program.

"We knew that when states pass good laws, lives are saved and a lot of money is saved. We'd just never done the analysis," says John Ulczycki of the National Safety Council.

A study was recently conducted by the Allstate Foundation to determine just how effective these programs are in every state.  This study comes as Congress looks to debate a multiyear highway and transit-spending bill.  This bill could have states fighting for a piece of the $25 million in federal funding to tighten up GDL programs.

Car accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers in the country.  This young age group has the highest risks for an accident on our roadways.

New York's GDL Program, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

-Learner permit: A driver may apply for this license at 16-years-old.  These drivers cannot drive within New York City parks.  They must drive with a supervising driver.

-A Junior Learner's Permit:  A driver can apply for this license when they're 16 and a half.  During this time, a driver must hold this license for 6 months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving.  Fifteen of these hours must be completed at night.  Drivers cannot drive from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.  During allowed hours, drivers must still be supervised by a parent or a guardian.  During this time, a young driver is not allowed to drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21. 

-Unrestricted License:  When a driver turns 17, they can have their restrictions lifted as long as they've completed a driver's education course.  If not, a driver must wait until they're 18-years-old.  In New York City though, all drivers must wait until the age of 18. 

Parents are urged to stay involved in their young driver's career behind the wheel long after they've received an unrestricted license.  Be sure to enforce safe road rules and regulations within your own household to further reduce their risks of an accident.  Lead by example and help to mold their safe driving habits.