Despite the progress that was made between 1980 and the mid-90s, traffic crashes remain the largest cause of death among 15-24 year old Canadians, accounting for 31% of their deaths in 2003. Young people have the highest rates of traffic death and injury per capita among all age groups, and the highest death rate per kilometre driven among all drivers under 75 years of age. In 2004, traffic crashes killed 695 young people and injured another 53,600. Even conservatively estimated, over 45% of these deaths were alcohol related. Although more research is required, it is clear that an additional percentage of youth crash deaths are drug related. The projected increase in Canada’s youth population over the next five years will, in and of itself, increase impairment-related traffic deaths and injuries among 15-24 year olds. Thus, effective action is required to achieve even the very modest goal of preventing the number of such deaths and injuries from increasing. The purpose of this study is to provide a broad survey of legislative measures that the provincial and territorial governments can implement to better protect young Canadians. (Author/publisher)
Abstract