Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

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A Program of the ATS

Motor Vehicles

The risk of motor vehicle crashes is the highest among teenagers aged 16 to 19 than any other age group. In 2002, more than 5,000 teenager drivers died of injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes. Beginning drivers are the most inexperienced and often are risk-takers, resulting in higher risk for a crash amongst this age group. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “High speed driving, low seat belt use, night driving, alcohol and substance use, interior distractions (i.e. radio, cellular phone, other teen passengers), and lack of driving knowledge and experience all increase the risk of a crash for teenagers” (www.iihs.org). Male occupants are twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle crash as their female counterparts. Among teen male drivers involved in a fatal crash, 39% were speeding at the time of the incident. Teens are also more likely to speed, run red lights, make illegal turns, ride with an intoxicated driver, and drive after using alcohol or drugs. The estimated economic cost of crashes among teenagers, both fatal and non-fatal was over $40 billion in 2002. 

Beginning Teenage Drivers
See Website: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
www.iihs.org/brochures

Teen Drivers
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets

Graduated Drivers Licenses
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
www.iihs.org/brochures

Facts about Injuries to Child Occupants in Motor Vehicle Crashes
Safe Kids Worldwide
www.safekidsnebraska.org/fact-sheets

Reference:
www.iihs.org