Submitted by Aiken Jacobsen on
It is against the law to drive without a valid driver's license, but some people disregard that. However, a new study shows that unlicensed drivers put others at risk.
A study by the Department of Motor Vehicles found that California drivers who do not have a valid driver's license and those with a suspended or revoked license are about three times more likely to cause a serious accident that results in fatal injuries.
Researchers looked at two-car crashes from the last 23 years. It appears that even over more than two decades unlicensed drivers are more dangerous. Drivers without a valid license between the ages of 20 and 29 appear to be the most hazardous to other motorists.
In California, people who are found to be driving without a valid license may face large fines and vehicle impoundment.
People in California do not expect to be involved in a serious car accident. However, a car accident can happen at any time and in any location. Even if someone is driving cautiously, they may be involved in an accident as a result of another person's negligence.
Losing a family member in a car accident can be extremely difficult to deal with. Family members may feel overcome with grief. Although no amount of money can bring a lost loved one back, legal action in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit may alleviate financial burdens and give surviving family members a sense of justice. People in California who have lost a loved one in a car crash would be wise to explore their legal options.
Source: San Rafael, CA Patch, "DMV Study: Unlicensed Drivers Pose Threat on California Roads," Christine Deakers, Jan. 11, 2013