This report summarizes what is known about the teen driver crash problem and reviews the research on the major contributing factors to the high teen crash rate. Dispositional factors, such as immaturity, inexperience, faulty judgment, and a higher propensity for risk-taking all contribute to the teen driver crash problem. Additionally, younger drivers are not experienced in hazard recognition. They do not generally acknowledge inherently dangerous situations on the road, and therefore do not react appropriately. A brief review is included on a variety of programs designed to decrease teen driver crashes, such as educational programs, laws and sanctions, and licensing programs. Scientific evaluations of these programs are discussed in terms of reducing the teen driver crash problem, thereby making America’s roads safer for our youth. The study and report conclude with recommendations based on research for developing and implementing interventions for this important traffic safety issue. Strong evidence supports the strengthening of graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws in the States and incorporating driver education into the GDL system. (Author/publisher)
Abstract