Wisconsin, like many states, has a graduated driver’s license program (GDL) that is designed to keep new teenage drivers safe. While the graduated license program is credited with reducing Wisconsin teen car accidents and resulting injuries and fatalities, there may be ways in which the law could be strengthened and further crashes, injuries and fatalities could be avoided.
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that if Wisconsin adopted what IIHS considered to be the best graduated driver’s license laws, Wisconsin could reduce collisions among 16- and 17-year-olds by 19 percent and fatal crashes by 39 percent.
The Best GDL Laws According to IIHS
In order to understand the possible improvements that Wisconsin can make to its GDL laws, it is important to know what IIHS considers to be the “best.” According to the information released on May 31, 2012, IIHS has identified five best practices, which include:
Permit age
IIHS best practice: Minimum permit age of 16.
Wisconsin law: Minimum permit age of 15 years, 6 months.
Practice driving hours
IIHS best practice: At least 65 supervised practice hours.
Wisconsin law: At least 30 supervised practice hours.
License age
IIHS best practice: Minimum intermediate license age of 17.
Wisconsin law: Minimum license age of 16 (and six months of holding valid instructional permit).
Night driving
IIHS best practice: Restrictions beginning at 8 p.m.
Wisconsin law: Restrictions beginning at midnight.
Teen passenger restrictions
IIHS best practice: No teen passengers.
Wisconsin law: One teen passenger (friend) at a time for the first nine months with a probationary license. Family members and older passengers are also permitted.
Thus, according to IIHS standard, Wisconsin could strengthen its GDL in some key areas.
What to Do If Your Child is Injured, or Killed, in a Milwaukee Car Crash
If your child has been hurt or killed in a car accident then it is important to contact an experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer today to discuss your family’s rights and possible recovery. We can be reached via this website or at 1-800-800-5678 or 1-414-223-4800.
Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?
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