How Many Americans Drive without Licenses?

Earning a driver’s license is a rite of passage many people enjoy as teens. Whether you were older when you received your driving privileges or took your driver’s test on your 16th birthday, there’s no doubt that being able to operate a motor vehicle gives you greater independence. 

As with any privilege, driving also comes with a responsibility to keep other people safe. Unfortunately, some people choose to drive without a license. According to Hedges & Company, an automotive marketing firm, approximately nine percent of drivers on the roads are unlicensed. Taking a look at why someone might drive without a license and the potential consequences helps you address potential safety issues you could encounter.

Know the Common Reasons for Being Unlicensed

Some people never go through the proper steps to earn a driver’s license. Although going through driver’s education courses and taking a test may take time, there’s a good reason why this is included within state laws. 

There are also people on the roads who have lost their licenses for a variety of reasons. Many of these people received license suspensions in response to accumulating too many points for driving violations. Others might have lost their licenses due to unpaid fines, DUIs, or other issues. Whether it’s out of desperation to go to work or an outright disrespect for the law, an unlicensed driver increases the risk of accidents on the road.

Practice Good Defensive Driving Habits

Since you can’t always tell if someone has a driver’s license or not, it’s best to practice preventive action on your part. Enrolling in a defensive driving course teaches you skills that help you avoid an accident. For instance, you’ll learn how to leave yourself room to make sudden lane changes if a driver swerves in your direction. You can also learn how to identify a potential intoxicated or distracted driver to allow yourself more time to get into a safer position on the road. You may also want to learn how to report unsafe drivers in your area to potentially save other people’s lives around you.

Take Steps to Protect Yourself Financially

If someone flouts the law regarding having a driver’s license, it’s possible they’re ignoring other regulations. Sadly, many accidents with unlicensed drivers also include dealing with someone who lacks liability auto insurance. In California, unlicensed drivers typically have options for securing car insurance. But someone who’s already not supposed to be operating a motor vehicle and chooses to do so may not care about getting auto insurance.

Making sure you have a comprehensive auto insurance plan that covers accidents with uninsured drivers provides you with greater protection in the event of an accident. As a final measure, make sure you know how to handle an accident. Taking information at the scene and reporting the accident to your insurance company right away helps you maintain greater financial security after a collision with an unlicensed driver.

If you’re looking for the best rates on auto insurance, contact Altra Insurance Services. We also provide motorcycle, commercial, renters, and homeowners insurance. San Diego residents can call us today to speak with one of our friendly agents and receive a free quote.