Unlicensed Drivers Pose a Risk to Everyone on Massachusetts Roads

January 8, 2013

Thousands of motorists throughout Massachusetts are reportedly caught driving without an operator's license every year. Unfortunately, many of those drivers are not apprehended until they cause a collision. According to a series of reports published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, motorists who continue to operate an automobile following a license suspension or who have never obtained a valid license pose a significant risk to other people traveling on the roadways. In fact, data compiled by AAA states that about one in five deadly accidents in the United States between 2007 and 2009 involved an unlicensed driver. Such crashes allegedly killed more than 21,000 Americans.

Information obtained from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles shows that more than 33,000 motorists were ticketed for driving on a suspended or revoked license in 2011. In addition, nearly 25,000 additional drivers were cited during the same year for driving without ever having obtained a valid operator's license. According to Brockton Police Department Lieutenant Paul Bonanca, this is especially problematic because unlicensed motorists are much more likely to leave the scene of a crash without stopping.

Easton Police Chief Allen Krajcik stated he believes drivers who have had their license revoked are more likely to flee in an effort to avoid being sentenced to jail. A Massachusetts sentencing survey found that about 12 percent of drivers who were convicted of operating a vehicle following a license suspension served time in jail. In addition, the average sentence for such convictions between July 2010 and June 2011 was 10 days. 57 percent of Massachusetts motorists who were convicted a second time reportedly spent an average of almost three months behind bars.

Last July, Massachusetts passed legislation that increased the fines for being caught without a valid driver's license. Still, some believe the law will deter few unlicensed motorists who have become accustomed to driving. Although Massachusetts law requires all drivers who operate a car, truck, or motorcycle to obtain a driver's license, some motorists choose to ignore this law to the detriment of both themselves and others. If you were injured or lost a loved one in an automobile collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Contact a skilled lawyer to discuss your options for recovery.

If you were hurt in a car or other accident, do not hesitate to give the Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa, P.C. a call at (508) 230-5300 in Brockton. Our hardworking Brockton automobile accident attorneys focus their practice exclusively on personal injury law. The dedicated lawyers at Sousa & Sousa have more than 37 years of combined experience helping the victims of tragic injury accidents receive the damages they deserve. The Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa, P.C. is available to assist clients who were injured in Norton, Easton, Stoughton, Brockton, Taunton, Bridgewater, and many other surrounding towns. To speak with a capable personal injury attorney today, please contact the Law Offices of Sousa & Sousa, P.C. through the law firm's website.

• Two Killed, Four Hurt in Taunton Single-Vehicle Wreck, Brockton Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 28, 2012
• Wheaton College Student Injured While Crossing East Main Street in Norton, Brockton Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, December 26, 2012

• Study: Keeping unlicensed drivers off road nearly impossible, by Justin Graeber, The Enterprise

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