State: Law Helps Cut Fatal Crashes Among Teens

September 14, 2012

Connecticut motor vehicles officials say the number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers statewide fell from nine in 2010 to four in 2011, continuing a downward trend since tougher laws for 16- and 17-year-old drivers were enacted four years ago.

The Connecticut Post reports that a study released Tuesday shows that convictions for traffic infractions and breaking the graduated driver’s licensing laws dropped slightly in 2012 over 2011. Driver’s licensing laws include passenger restrictions, a curfew, mandatory license suspension and a ban on handheld and hands-free cellphone use.

Two teen drivers were killed in crashes in 2010. In 2007, a year before the laws took effect, seven teen drivers were killed and 11 died in 2004.

Crashes involving teens in Connecticut have been reduced by 34 percent, compared with a 26 drop percent nationally.

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