MENU
SEARCHSteep fall in 20 years credited to new programs and policies, including graduated licenses.
Members of the younger cohort are less likely to drive now than 20 years ago, but the group said that fact accounts for a small part of the decrease.
IMAGE: Pexels/Elijah O'Donnell
Newly released research shows that fatal crashes involving young drivers have fallen nearly 40% in the 20 years ended in 2022.
The dramatic decrease came thanks to several programs and policies that have been put in place across the country, said the Governors Highway Safety Association, which compiled the data and recommended a sixth program to build on the gains.
The association said fatal crashes involving drivers younger than 21 fell 38% in the 20-year period and improved in all but three states and Washington, D.C. They increased nearly 8% for drivers 21 and older during the same period. It said young drivers are almost four times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes but that the fatality rate fell steeply. Deaths of young drivers dropped about 45% while they rose 11% for drivers 21 and older.
Members of the younger cohort are less likely to drive now than 20 years ago, but the group said that fact accounts for a small part of the decrease.
“Young drivers are the riskiest age group on the road, and the reasons are straightforward – immaturity and inexperience,” said report author and association Senior Director of External Engagement Pam Shadel Fischer, whom it described as a national teen-driver safety expert.
Fischer pointed out that human brains aren’t fully developed at the younger driving ages, particularly the areas that control risk assessment and decision-making to help prevent crashes, and the consequences affect all age groups.
“In 2021, 63% of the people killed in crashes involving a young driver were their passengers, occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians or bicyclists,” she said.
The group credits five advancements for the improvements in young-driver safety: graduated driver license programs; parents’ involvement in monitoring and coaching young drivers; driver-education; peer-to-peer traffic safety education; and safer vehicles, including technologies like blind-spot monitors and lane-keeping assistance.
It recommends building on those policies and programs and adding training on the newer vehicle technologies to driver education.
DIG DEEPER: IIHS: Cameras, Telematics Could Shed Light on Driver Cell Use
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
Recent survey data shows that the overall demand for auto loans is down, but the demand for subprime loans is up as consumers face economic uncertainty and affordability pressures.
Read More →
The Mitsubishi location moves from one Texas automotive group to another, continuing this year’s spate of brisk buy-sell activity.
Read More →
As part of its 2030 business plan, Mitsubishi's North America arm will soon open its first 'gallery' store in Tennessee, where customers can learn about the brand, vehicles and technology.
Read More →
Just weeks before President Trump is set to meet with the Chinese president, two U.S. senators proposed a bill with the aim of protecting Americans’ data.
Read More →
A study of Q1 used-vehicle sales shows many consumers are looking to minimize fuel costs but aren’t willing to go all electric and no longer have a tax break incentive to do so.
Read More →
A recent study suggests expectant parents are feeling the burden of bad credit more than other demographics when it comes to buying a new car.
Read More →
Dealers should aim to build a positive work environment, helping employees execute an efficient experience, from their online research to the final delivery of the vehicle.
Read More →
A cloudy April forecast was expected due to last April’s sales surge in anticipation of U.S. trade tariff-inflated prices. Meanwhile, automakers pumped up incentives to address today’s consumer wallet woes.
Read More →
EREVs, also known as ‘series hybrids,’ may catch on in the U.S., where they currently have barely a toehold, as automakers tilt away from some purely electric models and consumers crave more range.
Read More →
A recent price spike due to several larger market forces, though it hasn’t dulled demand, is pushing more consumers to efficient models to squeeze in buys.
Read More →