Young motor vehicle drivers have continuously been a source of concern for everyone, from parents to statisticians crunching numbers. From inexperience to outright reckless travel, countless accidents have resulted in life-changing and life-ending consequences.
A recent study brought the typical good news/bad news dynamic when it comes to young people behind the wheel. Collision and fatality rates among drivers 20 and younger have significantly fallen over the past 20 years. However, younger drivers remain the riskiest driving demographic in the United States, a trend considered at a crisis level. Overall, motor vehicle fatalities nationwide were just shy of 43,000.
Much-needed initiatives can make a difference
Data came from 2001 to 2022 from the Governors Highway Safety Association, a non-profit group composed of state highway safety offices. They report that fatal accidents with a young driver behind the wheel were down to 38 percent, with deaths dropping to approximately 45 percent. Conversely, drivers 21 and older made up eight percent of crashes and 11 percent of fatalities.
While lower statistics reflect progress, the specific reason behind the lower numbers is that young people reduced their time behind the wheel as opposed to 20 years ago. However, experts believe that it may represent a foundation to build upon.
Programs implemented by some states see a much-needed and more gradual approach for new drivers. Many have laws that impose restrictions on young drivers from 18 to 20. Those prohibitions involve driving after dark or with vehicles filled with teenagers. Other options see parents being more active in driver education and a peer-to-peer model.
Keeping a bright spotlight on teenage drivers from officials and their parents could save young lives.