Young drivers, particularly those who are newly licensed, have a very high crash risk. This elevated risk is the result of a number of factors found alone or in combination, such as risky driving, alcohol use, seat belt nonuse, driver distraction, fatigue, and the type of vehicle they choose to drive. Nighttime and passenger restrictions, adopted widely in the United States as part of a graduated driver licensing program, work largely by keeping drivers out of hazardous situations rather than by addressing risk factors directly. However, the risk factors remain in play in driving situations not specifically restricted by law. The question is whether these individual risk factors currently are addressed either directly or indirectly by graduated driver licensing. If not, should other components be adopted? Other driver license requirements around the world are examined to identify additional components that might be considered in the United States.
Abstract