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Between 25 to 30% of teen drivers are involved in crashes within the first 12 months of getting their operator's license, according to the Florida Sheriff's Department Association.

"With the high rate of teen vehicle crash involvement in the state of Florida, it is important that new teen drivers receive the proper training before getting behind the wheel," said Florida Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Teen drivers who get their licenses at age 18 may be at a greater risk of being in accidents than those who get their temporary licenses at age 15.  This is what experts say after the AAA (American Automobile Association) study was released July 13, 2013. With only 44% of teens obtaining a driver's license within 12 months of the minimum age for their state, experts are concerned that these young drivers will be missing the benefits of state GDL (Graduated Driver's License) programs.

“With one in three teens waiting to get their license until they turn 18, there’s a segment of this generation missing  opportunities to learn under the safeguards that GDL provides,” said Peter Kissinger, President and CEO, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “For most, it’s about not having a car or having alternatives for getting around that are the top reasons cited for delaying what has traditionally been considered to be a rite of passage.”

AAA Foundation research has found that when states have comprehensive GDL systems, they have experienced a 38% decrease in fatal crashes involving 16 year-olds and a 40% reduction in injuries.

Florida has a GDL  program for teens 15 - 17 years old.  This GDL program was designed to help young drivers become good drivers by easing them into the driving scene.

• Learner's Permit -- 15 year olds may only drive during daylight hours during the first three months until 10 p.m. always with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat. Before getting a learner's permit they must show proof of attending a traffic law and substance abuse education course, have a parent's approval, identification, take a written test on road rules and signs, and vision and hearing tests.

• Intermediate License -- 16 and 17 year olds who have held a learner's license for at least one year without any traffic convictions, may apply for an intermediate license.  This will allow 16 year olds to only drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or they are traveling to or from work.  17 year olds can only drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or they are traveling to or from work. There are requirements that these potential drivers must provide a Florida learner's permit or license from another state, parental certification of driving at least 50 hours, 10 hours of which must be at night.

Florida Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.