State: Law helps cut fatal crashes among teens

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut motor vehicles officials say the number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers statewide fell from nine in 2010 to four in 2011, continuing a downward trend since tougher laws for 16- and 17-year-old drivers were enacted four years ago.

The Connecticut Post reports that a study released Tuesday shows that convictions for traffic infractions and breaking the graduated driver's licensing laws dropped slightly in 2012 over 2011. Driver's licensing laws include passenger restrictions, a curfew, mandatory license suspension and a ban on handheld and hands-free cellphone use.

Two teen drivers were killed in crashes in 2010. In 2007, a year before the laws took effect, seven teen drivers were killed and 11 died in 2004.

Crashes involving teens in Connecticut have been reduced by 34 percent, compared with a 26 drop percent nationally.

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Information from: Connecticut Post