Teens are at an especially high risk of motor vehicle collisions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drivers between ages 16-19 are three times more likely to be involved in an accident than drivers more than 20 years old. Despite these statistics, the North Carolina car accident lawyers at HensonFuerst explain the state is preparing to eliminate driver education courses in schools. It’s a move many citizens aren’t happy about.
The North Carolina Senate has approved a budget that would get rid of driver education classes that are currently a requirement for teens wishing to get a learner’s permit. According to The Charlotte Observer, teens will be required to make up for the lost learning experience by operating a vehicle with a parent for 85 hours, versus the current 60-hour requirement. Teens would also be required to have a higher score on a written examination to receive a license.
Many say that eliminating the courses could lead to teen drivers developing bad habits on the road.
At HensonFuerst, we believe that education and hands-on experience behind the wheel of a vehicle are two of the best ways to help prevent car accidents from occurring. That’s why our North Carolina personal injury lawyers are hopeful that state lawmakers act in the best interests of our young drivers.