A 17-year-old Lodi High School student who was set to start her senior year was killed in a tragic car collision. According to news reports, the 17-year-old girl was the passenger in a vehicle that was heading the wrong way down Route 23 North in Milford.

Although the precise reason for heading the wrong direction is unknown, it is clear that the driver of the vehicle in which the fatally injured passenger was riding should not have been behind the wheel in the first place. The 16-year-old driver had only a learner’s permit at the time of the collision. According to New Jersey law, the teenager should not have been operating a vehicle after 11:00 p.m., when the accident happened. In addition to the fatal injuries suffered by the 17-year-old high school student, two other people involved in the crash suffered serious injuries.

New Jersey Learner’s Permit Law

Most states, including New Jersey, require anyone who wishes to obtain a driver’s license to go through a process whereby they hold a learner’s permit first. The purpose of this is to prevent inexperienced drivers from being on the roadways unsupervised in an effort to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. According to New Jersey law, a permit holder must complete a period of supervised driving before moving on to the next phase of licensing. According to the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website, the rules of this supervisory phase are as follows:

Practice supervised driving for at least six months

• You must observe the following restrictions during the supervised driving period: Display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back); decals available at motor vehicle agencies, $4 per pair
• No driving after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m.
• You must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver who is at least 21 years of age and who possesses a valid New Jersey driver license and has a minimum of three years driving experience
• Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependent is a permit or probationary driver’s child, not siblings
• Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
• You can’t use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hands-free interactive, wireless communication device
• Seat belts must be worn at all times
• See GDL Exemptions for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons

Teenager Drivers and Fault

If you have been injured in a New Jersey car accident, or have lost a loved one as a result of a car accident, the car accident lawyers at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., may be able to help. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 for your free consultation, or fill out our online contact form.