Study shows unlicensed drivers are the deadliest drivers

A new study from the Department of Motor Vehicles shows that unlicensed drivers are nearly three times more likely to be involved in deadly crashes than those who have licenses. The D-M-V’s study also found that unlicensed drivers are much more likely to be the party responsible when in a crash. Furthermore the study found that unlicensed drivers tend to be more hazardous than suspended/revoked drivers. The study used crash data over a 23-year period and looked at two-vehicle fatal crashes where only one driver was at fault. It’s difficult to determine the actual number of unlicensed drivers in California since these drivers do not come to the attention of the DMV until they are involved in a crash or convicted of a traffic violation. Driving on a suspended/revoked license or while unlicensed in California can result in a 30-day vehicle impoundment, thousands of dollars in fines, time being added to a license suspension/probation period, or revocation of a license.