The Problem with Unlicensed Drivers

 Posted on July 24, 2014 in Personal Injury

Some drivers may see certain traffic laws as a nuisance or annoyance, such as parking ordinances or being ticketed for failure to come to a complete stop. While all traffic regulations and laws are likely put in place to promote the safety of drivers and passengers while traveling on the roadway, some regulations have a much more obvious impact on promoting safety and come with more serious consequences for their violation.

Traffic Laws

Laws relating to driving without a license often have serious criminal consequences if they are violated. Some drivers may have never obtained a license, while others may have had it suspended or revoked for various reasons. No matter why a driver does not have a valid driver's license, the fact remains that operating a vehicle without one is a crime.

It should be obvious that besides the need to regulate and keep track of drivers that are on the road, a state's licensing requirement also goes a long way in ensuring that those who are operating vehicles on the roadways are at least somewhat qualified to do so. In order to acquire a driver's license initially, all individuals are required to submit to a driver's test with a licensed instructor who will determine if the person operated the vehicle well enough to be granted a license. In order to keep that license, the driver must refrain from engaging in driving behaviors that would result in their license being revoked or suspended.

Actions that may result in a license suspension or revocation include, but are certainly not limited to, drinking and driving, obtaining enough driving infractions and corresponding points on one's driving record, or continuing to operate a vehicle while one's license is already suspended.

Deadly Accidents

A recent article discussed the devastating consequences that often result from unlicensed drivers deciding to get behind the wheel. The article makes clear that some passengers may not even be aware that a driver they are riding with does not have a license. As law enforcement officials point out, often the license was revoked or suspended because the person was not a very good or responsible driver to begin with.

What is more disturbing is the disproportionately high number of fatal accidents that unlicensed drivers are involved in each year. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation online database, drivers who were unlicensed or had their licenses suspended, revoked, expired, canceled, or denied were linked to 353 out of 363 of the fatal accidents that occurred in the state so far this year. These numbers are not an anomaly, as the statistics were similar for years going back to 2011.

Accident Injury Attorney

Not only do drivers who operate vehicles without valid licenses face criminal prosecution, but their actions could also serve as the basis for a lawsuit if they caused damage or injury while doing so. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced DuPage County accident attorney at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today to schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Naperville, Bloomingdale, and Lombard.