Fatal Richmond crash highlights rules of the road for teen drivers

By Raven Brown

Published: June 3, 2024 at 6:49 p.m. EDT|Updated: 4 hours ago

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – The On Your Side Safety Team wants to remind teens about driving safety after a crash killed a 10-year-old Richmond boy on his last day of school last Friday.

Several other minors were injured, including the 16-year-old driver. Although the accident is still under investigation, parents of teen drivers need to know the rules of the road.

Richmond police say the teen driver has not been charged and we don't yet know the relationship between him and the minors in the car.

However, both the DMV and our legal analyst say tragic accidents like this are why laws are in place to keep young drivers safe.

“There is no room for error, because a single mistake could cost you or someone else's life,” said John Saunders, director of the DMV's Traffic Safety Outreach Office .

Saunders said these accidents can be avoided if the rules of the road are followed.

“A driver under 18 years of age may only have one passenger under 18 years of age, unless accompanied by a parent or acting in place of a parent in the front seat,” a Saunders said. “The adult must also hold a valid driver’s license.”

Saunders said once you've had your license for a year, you can drive with up to three people in the car with certain restrictions.

It should also be noted that there are some exceptions when family members are in a car.

“There is a change if the driver is related to the passengers. Passenger restrictions do not apply to family members,” Saunders said. “This is a general statement, but every situation is different.”

Legal analyst Steve Benjamin said violating teen driving laws is not negligence unless you are driving recklessly.

“When a fatality occurs, it’s also important to understand the manner in which you were driving,” he said. “If it’s reckless enough or dangerous enough, it could warrant a charge or prosecution for manslaughter causing the death of another person unintentionally or accidentally.”

The police have not yet clarified the causes of this fatal accident.

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