Traffic fatalities: causes, prevention, and policy implications

Teen Traffic Accidents & Fatalities

According to the Institute for Highway Safety, in every developed country around the world, teenage drivers are considered a major hazard. In the United States, this problem is magnified, as American teenagers are allowed to get their licenses at an earlier age than in most other countries, and little driving experience is required before licenses are issued (AAP, 2005). In addition, American driver's licenses are inexpensive and easy to obtain, making them widely accessible to teenagers. As a result, this country has a greatly elevated crash risk among young drivers.

While teenagers drive less than all other age groups, with the exception of the oldest Americans, the number of crashes and vehicle-related fatalities are high amongst this age group (AAP, 2005). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): "The risk of crash involvement per mile driven among drivers 16-19 years old is 4 times the risk among older drivers. Risk is highest at age 16-17. In fact, the crash rate per mile driven is almost 3 times as high among 16-year-olds as it is among 18-19-year-olds. Motor vehicle death rates per 100,000 people in 1997 peaked at age 18 (drivers) and 17-18 (passengers). Crashes are a leading cause of disability related to head and spinal cord injuries in this age group."

For teenagers, driving a car poses several risks, as the occurrences of car accidents increase dramatically during the teenage years. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, automobile accidents are the number one cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2004). Sixteen-year-old drivers have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age group (Coping.org, 2005). These young t drivers are also more likely to participate in risky behaviors, such as speeding and tailgating. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that "the part of the brain that weighs risks, makes judgments and controls impulsive behavior is still developing in teens, and does not mature until about age 25." For these reasons, many states and agencies are making efforts to reduce teenage automobile accidents.

Recent statistics reveal that motor vehicle death rates in 2002 were 26 per 100,000-16-year-old teenagers (Child Trends Databank, 2005). This number remained relatively stable until age 25. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2003) reported that 40% of all teen deaths in the United States are caused by car accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation (2003) fuelled concern with its recent report, which revealed that more than 5,000 youth ages 16 to 19 were killed in 2002 and approximately 482,000 youth ages 16 to 20 were injured in motor vehicle crashes.

Numerous reports demonstrate that teenager drivers are involved in more car crashes than drivers over the age of 25 (Child Trends Databank, 2005). The highest crash rates are amongst 16-year-old drivers. Teenagers are at a higher risk for car accidents for various reasons, including limited driving experience, failure to wear seat belts, and likeliness to speed or drive recklessly. In addition, teenagers are more likely to drink and drive or allow distractions from other passengers. These same factors place teenagers at a higher risk of vehicle-related fatalities.

Several states now have graduated licensing programs to deal with these problems (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Administration, 2005). Graduated licensing programs enforce numerous restrictions on teenage drivers that are removed as experience increases. For example, a teenage driver may be required to get a learner's permit and a limited license before he or she is given a full license.

Many states are taking these limitations a step further (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2004). For example, Connecticut recently placed new restrictions on teenage drivers, including strict passenger limitations. Colorado is attempting to pass a bill that will raise the minimum age to obtain a llicense, unless a teenager completes a driver's education course.

These road restrictions are not fully supported, however. Many teenagers argue that it is unfair that all teenagers are punished for the mistakes of a limited group of peers. "Maturity doesn't start at age 18; it differs with ages and people," wrote high-school senior Jessica L. Durga in an editorial in the Detroit Free Press (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2004). She complained that passenger restrictions are unfair because "passengers often help the driver see oncoming cars."