REDUCING THE RISKS FOR REDUCING THE RISKS FOR TEENAGE DRIVERS TEENAGE DRIVERS
STATISTICS:STATISTICS:Insurance Institute for Insurance Institute for
Highway SafetyHighway Safety
Motor vehicle crashes Motor vehicle crashes account for 39% of all account for 39% of all
deaths among 15-19 year deaths among 15-19 year olds.olds.
Motor vehicle crashes Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of are the leading cause of death among teenagers death among teenagers
in this country.in this country.
16 -17 year olds, those with 16 -17 year olds, those with the least experience, are the least experience, are
the most likely to be the most likely to be involved in crashesinvolved in crashes
Crash rate/mile for 16 year Crash rate/mile for 16 year oldsolds
Have a 43% higher rate Have a 43% higher rate than 17 year oldsthan 17 year olds
Are 2.7 times more likely Are 2.7 times more likely than 18 year oldsthan 18 year olds
Are 3.9 times more likely Are 3.9 times more likely than 19 year oldsthan 19 year olds
The likelihood of having The likelihood of having a crash or a violation is a crash or a violation is highest in the first few highest in the first few months of independent months of independent
driving.driving.
Greatest risk is at nightGreatest risk is at nightVisibility reducedVisibility reduced
Judgment impaired by Judgment impaired by fatigue and (alcohol?)fatigue and (alcohol?)
Teenage risk increases Teenage risk increases with the number of with the number of
passengerspassengers
Deaths among 41% of Deaths among 41% of motor vehicle teens are motor vehicle teens are
from 9PM – 6AMfrom 9PM – 6AM
Highway Safety Research Center at UNCThe 3 tier system reduces:*fatal crashes by 57%*Night time crashes by 23%*No or minor injuries by 23%
Attributes of Teen Drivers
• Easily distracted• Hesitant• Poor judgment• Impulsive
– Take chances
• Careless• Easily distracted• Thrill seekers• Over confident
• Immature• Inexperience
– Identify risk– Judge distance &
space– Identify important
clues
• Risk Taker– Speed– Tailgating– Don’t use seatbelt