YOUNG DRIVERS ACCOUNT FOR 1/5 OF ALL TRAFFIC FATALITIES
According to recently published research note by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Center for Statistics and Analysis, fatalities from crashes involving young drivers account for one-fifth of all fatalities on the nation's roads. Previous research has suggested that young drivers lack the experience behind the wheel that most older drivers have, do not have the same maturity level as older drivers, and are more prone to risk-taking behavior and the statistics comport with these characteristics.
Researchers found that young people from ages 15-20 represented only 9% of the U.S. population in 2007 and a mere 6% of licensed drivers nationwide, yet 19% of traffic fatalities were related to young-driver crashes. Of the people killed in young-driver accidents, two-thirds were the young drivers themselves or the passengers (of all ages) of the young drivers. Of the passengers killed riding in vehicles with young drivers, more than two-thirds were between the ages of 15 and 20. Indeed, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds.
In an effort to reduce these numbers, a number of states, including Illinois, have implemented "graduated driver licensing" (GDL) program to provide opportunities for experience, lessen the opportunity for risk-taking behavior, and educate young drivers about hazards on roadways. GDL typically consists of three distinct stages: (1) the learner's permit stage in which teen drivers may only drive with a fully licensed adult in the car; (2) provisional or intermediate license stage, in which novice teen drivers may drive unsupervised, but with certain restrictions in place, such as nighttime restrictions and curfews; and (3) full licensing.
The good news is that the number of fatal crashes involving young drivers as well as the total fatalities in these crashes has decreased 13% from 1998-2007.
Keep your young drivers safe by implementing the following tips:
* Restrict nighttime driving. Most nighttime fatal crashes among young drivers occur between 9 p.m. and midnight, so teenagers shouldn't be driving much later than 9 p.m.
* Restrict the number of passengers to reduce distractions.
* Supervise practice driving.
* Prohibit driving after drinking (and discourage drinking altogether).
* Choose vehicles for safety, not image.
* Remember that you are a role model. Young people learn by example, so be sure to practice safe driving yourself.
If you have been injured in a car accident, please contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll. We have an outstanding record of success and our compassionate, experienced and dedicated firm will ensure that your matter is satisfactorily resolved.
