Car crashes are the leading killer of American teens

An epidemic of crashes:
The leading killer of American teens

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young people 15 to 20 years of age, causing roughly one-third of all fatalities in this age group. In 1996, 6,319 young people age 15 to 20 died in motor vehicle crashes. Even though this age group makes up only 7 percent of the driving population, they are involved in 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. In 1996, teens were involved in more than two million non-fatal traffic crashes. Based on population projections, these numbers will go up unless we intervene.

Teen drivers are different from other drivers, and their crash experience is different. Compared to other drivers, a higher proportion of teenagers are responsible for their fatal crashes because of their own driving errors.

Effective remedies exist for controlling these risk factors and reducing traffic crash fatalities among young drivers without seriously encroaching on their need to get around. Graduated driver licensing combines a number of measures proven to be effective in fostering safer driving behavior in young drivers. In Ontario, Canada and in New Zealand where graduated driver licensing is in effect, crash deaths and injuries for teenage drivers have been reduced. Maryland, which has a nighttime driving restriction, and California have shown reductions in both fatal crashes and traffic violations among young drivers. In Indiana, restrictions are voluntary. That means it is up to the parents.

"After the young driver demonstrates responsible driving behavior, restrictions are systematically lifted until the driver 'graduates' to full driving privileges."

With voluntary phased-in driving privileges, new drivers go through a three-stage process that involves their gradual introduction to full driving privileges. By restricting when teenagers may drive, and with whom, phased-in driving privileges allows new drivers to gain much-needed on-the-road experience in controlled, lower-risk settings. It also means that a teenager will be a little older and more mature when he gains full, unrestricted privileges. After the young driver demonstrates responsible driving behavior, restrictions are systematically lifted until the driver "graduates" to full driving privileges.

For more on the topic of phased-in or “graduated” driving privileges, see the article, “A smart tool for parents: phased-in driving privileges.”