Orange County Teen Car Accident Statistics

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In Orange County, California over two million registered passenger vehicles are operated by drivers between 16 to 19 years of age. California’s DMV traffic research report that the highest risk of traffic accidents is among teen drivers. Further statistics show that one in five first-year teen drivers are involved in a car accident.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm teens are three times more likely to be involved in a car accident. The primary reason for teen car accidents are distractions, risky (daring) behaviors, and overconfidence of operating a vehicle.

If your teen is involved in a vehicle accident, you need to speak with an experienced attorney familiar with California’s teen driving laws.

Teen Driving Statistics

Depending on the accident’s cause, injury severity or property damages, the teen driver could be ticketed for a traffic offense or charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime under California’s legislative vehicle code laws.

The most common traffic violations causing bodily injury involving teen drivers include:

• Speeding – 35 percent overlook the posted speed limits.
• Right of Way – 20 percent misjudge the need to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
• Improper turns – 14 percent disregard posted street signs, traffic light restrictions, or fail to signal.
• Other – 8 percent follow to close (tailgate).

Electronic Driving Distractions

California law prohibits the use of wireless or hands-free cellphones while driving by all drivers. In 2017, the California Office of Traffic Safety conducted a survey and found that seventy-three percent of teen drivers between 15 to 19 years of age were involved in car accidents.

• More than 25 percent involved the use of a cell phone.
• Statistics show that teen males are involved in car accidents more frequently than females.

Reckless Driving

California Vehicle Code 23103 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with a disregard for the safety of persons or property. Environments include public roads or highways or private or public parking structures.

Driving violations involve:

• Speeding
• Racing

Alcohol and Drugs

Teens under the age of 18 with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.05 percent or higher operating a vehicle have committed a crime. California drivers younger than 21 years of age with a BAC of 0.08 or higher could be charged as an adult.

• Teens drivers under the influence lose their ability to detect potential traffic hazards with less alcohol consumption compared to adult drivers.

As a parent or legal guardian, you accepted responsibility when you authorize the teen’s (minor) license. Has your teen been arrested? Do you have questions about California’s teen driving laws?

Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Virginia

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In Virginia, crimes are considered to be either a misdemeanor or a felony. One of which is a lot more severe than the other. This is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Virginia.

Misdemeanor

This is the lesser of the two crimes. Those that have been convicted of a misdemeanor may face no more than twelve months of jail time. They may also have to pay a fine of $2,500 or less. There are four different classes of misdemeanor crimes in Virginia. Class 1 is considered to be the most serious misdemeanor type. It has the highest amount of jail time and the highest fine. A Class 4 misdemeanor is the least serious misdemeanor type. Those that have to serve jail time because of a misdemeanor conviction will serve their sentence in a city or county jail rather than a state prison. Examples of misdemeanors include trespassing, disorderly conduct or vandalism.

Felony

In Virginia, a felony is a serious crime. Jail time may include life sentences or even the death penalty. Fines can be at least $100,000. Sentences have to be served at a prison rather than county jail. Examples of a felony include vehicular homicide, arson or aggravated assault.

What To Do If You’ve Been Charged With A Misdemeanor Or Felony

If you have been charged with some sort of crime while you are in the state of Virginia, you need to contact an attorney. They can guide you as to what steps you need to take. Don’t talk about your case with friends or family members. Don’t post anything about your alleged crime on any of your social media pages. A Virginia criminal defense attorney will be the most beneficial person to talk to. They can help in various ways, and they can provide you with legal assistance.