Fatalities from crashes involving young drivers have accounted for just under one fifth of all fatalities on the nation’s roads. This population of young drivers has specific characteristics that set them apart from older drivers, as well as a specific set of laws pertaining to their ability to drive. Previous research has shown that young drivers lack the experience behind the wheel that most older drivers have, do not have the same maturity level as older drivers, and are more prone to risk-taking behaviour. These characteristics influenced the development of graduated driver licensing programs in different areas of the country to provide opportunities for experience, lessen the opportunity for risk-taking behaviour, and educate young drivers about hazards on roadways. Although these programs are greatly beneficial, young-driver-related crashes remain a prevalent issue in our nation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) undertook this analysis to describe characteristics and trends in fatal crashes involving young drivers. (Author/publisher)
Abstract