National Press FoundationNational Press FoundationTeen SafetyTeen SafetyJune 14, 2005

AAA Foundation for AAA Foundation for Traffic SafetyTraffic Safety

•Established in 1947

•501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit

•Research Affiliate of AAA and AAA Motor Clubs

•North American Focus

Funded through Funded through

the generosity of the generosity of

and its membersand its members

MissionMission

• Identify traffic safety problems

• Foster research that seeks solutions

• Disseminate information and educational materials

Teen Driving FactsTeen Driving Facts

• Motor vehicle crashes are leading cause of death for teenagers

• 17 fatal crashes every day 8 teen drivers killed

Teen Driving Statistics - 2003Teen Driving Statistics - 2003

6,176 teen drivers in fatal crashes

5,194 teenagers died

2,842 teen drivers died (11% of all drivers)

Teen driver fatalities up 11% from 1993

1 in 5 teen drivers will crash in first year

First month (1,000-1,500 miles) of independent driving is riskiest

Teen Driving FactsTeen Driving Facts

Poor risk perception

Over confidence

Immaturity

Inexperience

Teen DriversTeen Drivers

Wear seat belts less often

Drive small cars

Are prone to fatigue

Susceptible to distractions

Drive Riskier

Teen DriversTeen Drivers

Teen DemographicsTeen Demographics

1982 53% of 16-17 licensed

2002 43% of 16-17 licensed

Substantial increase in teen population by 2007

Teen SafetyTeen Safety

Passenger Vehicle Driver Deaths Passenger Vehicle Driver Deaths Per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Per 100 Million Vehicle Miles

TraveledTraveled

0

1

2

3

4

5

16 17 18 19 20 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 59 60 - 69 ≥ 70Driver Age

Dri

ve

r D

ea

th R

ate

Male

Female

Driver Deaths: Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA, 2001-2002).Vehicle Miles Travelled: Fatality Facts: Teenagers (IIHS, 2005).

0

10

20

30

40

50

16 17 18 19 20 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 59 60 - 69 ≥ 70

Driver Age

Dri

ve

r D

ea

th R

ate

Male

Female

Passenger Vehicle Driver Deaths Passenger Vehicle Driver Deaths Per 100,000 Licensed DriversPer 100,000 Licensed Drivers

Driver Deaths: Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA, 2003).

Estimated Percent of Drivers in Estimated Percent of Drivers in Fatal Crashes Who Had Been Fatal Crashes Who Had Been Drinking (Drivers Age ≤ 20)Drinking (Drivers Age ≤ 20)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

1982 1987 1992 1997 2002

BAC ≥ 0.01

BAC ≥ 0.08

Traffic Safety Facts 2003 (NHTSA, 2005)

• Risk highest for independent, novice drivers

• Night (9-6am) 3 times the risk

• Passengers:

1 Passenger – 1.4 times the risk

2 Passengers – 1.9 times the risk

3 Passengers – 2.8 times the risk

GDL Background GDL Background

GDL Licensing Laws 1997GDL Licensing Laws 1997

States With GDL

No GDL States

GDL Licensing Laws 2005GDL Licensing Laws 2005

States With GDL

Teen crashes Down 9-37% (Selected States)

Teen fatalities/population Down 26% (1993-2003)

Teen fatalities Down 6% (GDL States)

But,

Teen fatalities/miles traveled No change

Teens continue to crash at alarming rates

GDL is WorkingGDL is Working

Driver EducationDriver Education

Little scientific evidence that driver education works

Much less emphasis in public schools

Market driving “cheaper, faster approach”

Very few, scientifically sound evaluations

Driver Education BackgroundDriver Education Background

Reducing the Crash Reducing the Crash Risk for Young Risk for Young

DriversDrivers

Guidelines for Evaluating Guidelines for Evaluating Driver Education ProgramsDriver Education Programs

driver-ZED updatedriver-ZED updateNationwide Evaluation of GDLNationwide Evaluation of GDL

States With GDLNo GDL States

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