CDC Data Show Drop in Fatal Crashes Among 16 and 17 Year Old Drivers from 2004 - 2008; GDL programs credited with saving lives
Motor vehicle crashes are a major public health threat for all people, and they continue to be the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. As part of their mission to promote health and prevent disease, injury and disability, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks and studies the issue of young driver safety. The CDC endorses proven-effective Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs as a way to reduce crashes among young drivers, prevent injuries, and save lives. Their most recent report provides another basis for adoption of STANDUP.
According to the October 22 issue of "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report" from the CDC, the nation-wide rate for drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes decreased from 27.1 per 100,000 population in 2004 to 16.7 per 100,000 population in 2008. According to the report, the drop during 2004-2008 in the rate of young drivers involved in fatal crashes extends a long-term decline. From 1996 - 2008, the rate for drivers aged 16 or 17 involved in fatal crashes fell approximately 50%, from 36.0 per 100,000 population to 16.7. The CDC also states that GDL programs are widely credited with contributing to this decline.
During the five year period from 2004 through 2008, a total of 9,644 drivers aged 16 or 17 were involved in 9,494 crashes that resulted in one or more fatalities.
- 50% of these crashes involved only one car; 42% involved two cars; 8% involved three or more cars
- 87% of these crashes resulted in one fatality; 10% resulted in two fatalities; 3% resulted in three or more fatalities
- 37% of the fatalities were drivers aged 16 or 17; 31% were passengers of drivers aged 16 or 17; 18% were drivers of other vehicles; 7.3% were passengers in other vehicles; 6.7% were other road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians
- 65% of the drivers aged 16 or 17 who were involved in fatal crashes were male
- Among the states over the years 2004 through 2008, the rates for drivers aged 16 or 7 involved in fatal crashes ranged from a low of 9.7 per 100,000 population (in New Jersey and New York) to a high of 59.6 per 100,000 population (in Wyoming).
The CDC report endorsed the importance of strong, effective Graduated Driver Licensing programs for every teen in every state: "GDL programs vary in makeup; the more comprehensive programs are associated with larger crash reductions. To further reduce crashes among young drivers, states should ensure that their GDL programs include all of the components with demostrated effectiveness, including extended learner periods, nighttime driving restrictions, and passenger restrictions. As GDL programs evolve and additional evaluation results become available, states should reexamine their programs and consider implementing additional components that have been proven effective."
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