Teen ejected from Jeep in Southern State crash, 16-year-old driver ticketed, New York State Police say

A teenage passenger was ejected on Thursday from a Jeep full of teens after its 16-year-old driver sideswiped another driver on the Southern State Parkway, according to the New York State Police. 

The driver had only a learner's permit, not a license, and was later ticketed for operating the vehicle with only the permit and for unsafe lane change, according to Trooper Brittany Burton, a spokeswoman for the state police's Troop L, which patrols Long Island's state parkways.

The incident, involving three vehicles, happened around 10:51 a.m. on the eastbound side of the parkway near Exit 39, Deer Park Avenue, when the Jeep driver tried to slow down to avoid a vehicle being driven in the middle lane by someone who was slowing down; the Jeep driver swerved to avoid that vehicle and struck a third vehicle, a sedan, and flipped, Burton said.

The Jeep's occupants included the 16-year-old driver, and one passenger who was 16 years old, two who were 18 and one who was 17, Burton said. 

On Long Island, state law imposes limits on those with junior with learner permits, restrictions that include a requirement to drive only under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian or driving instructor and that the supervisor be at least 21 and licensed. There are also restrictions on having other youths in the car.

Burton said no one in either vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries. 

Other information about the circumstances of the crash and the victims wasn't disclosed.

Nationwide, the risk of crashes is highest among those ages 16 to 19 than any other age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies have found that the risk of crashes rises the more teenagers are present in a vehicle with an unsupervised young driver.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.