Are Teens Safer on the Road Than They Were Ten Years Ago? - Yes, and No
Author(s):
R.H. Henk, V.J. Pezoldt, B.R. Fette
Publication Date:
September 2013
Abstract:
New research suggests that novice teenage drivers (age 15-17) are about eight times more likely than young adult drivers (age 18-24) to have a fatal crash if teenage passengers are in the vehicle. The teen passenger risk has grown greater over the past decade, even as total numbers of crash deaths have dropped dramatically for young drivers.
The analysis by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute looked at 10 years of national data on fatal crashes in which teen passengers (age 13-17) were present at the time of the crash. Researchers then compared patterns for novice drivers with those of young adult drivers to arrive at a relative risk index.
During this decade, texting increased, and speeding became a more common factor in teen-driver fatal crashes. Also, many states were either implementing or strengthening their graduated driver license (GDL) laws. GDL laws are designed to limit the risk exposure for young drivers, but more than half of 16- to 17-year old drivers say they have talked on a cell phone while driving, and a third say they have texted behind the wheel.
A growing program sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation employs peer-to-peer communication to help teen drivers avoid the most common dangers that they face. Teens in the Driver Seat? has been active in more than 550 Texas high schools, and it is structured to augment the state's GDL law. Teen leaders of the program emphasize their essential role, but they welcome help from adults.
Report Number:
TTI-2013-11
Electronic Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/TTI-2013-11.pdf
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