Report: Number of teen drivers in fatal crashes falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes between 2004 and 2008 fell by nearly 1/3.  The CDC attributes the improvement to a number of factors; the wide-spread use of graduated licensing and increased parental involvement and awareness are the main reasons for the drop-off.  This recent figure combines well with the long-term trend, a 50% decrease since 1996.

Increased use of seatbelts, and strong government-led campaigns against drunk driving have also contributed.  Despite 2009 going down to show the lowest recorded level of vehicle accidents in 60 years, there is still much work to be done; nearly 17 million American drivers admitted to drinking and driving in 2009 according to the NHTSA.


Distracted driving and lack of seatbelt use are of major concern when it comes to teen drivers, nearly 70% of the 13- to 15-year-olds killed in traffic accidents in 2009 weren”t wearing seatbelts, and 18% of all teen crashes that resulted in a fatality were the result of distracted driving.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Kicking Tires