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Automobile accidents are the most common cause of teenage deaths in the U.S., and risk is highest during the first few years of driving. To describe trends in fatal crashes involving newly licensed teenage drivers, researchers at the CDC analyzed details of 9494 fatal crashes involving drivers aged 16 and 17 from 2004 through 2008.
Sixty-five percent of drivers were male, 36% were speeding at the time of the crash, and 15% had blood alcohol levels >0.55 g/dL. From 2004 through 2008, the annual rate of new teenage drivers involved in fatal crashes decreased 38% (from 27/100,000 to 17/100,000 per population in age group). The decline could reflect reduced teenage driving because of the economic downturn, increased seat-belt use, and improved graduated driver licensing programs. State-specific rates of new teenage drivers involved in fatal crashes vary widely, from 10/100,000 in New York and New Jersey (where the licensing age is 17–18 years) to 60/100,000 in Wyoming (where the licensing age is 16 years). The variation by state could reflect differences in population density, traffic laws, and licensing policies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drivers aged 16 or 17 years involved in fatal crashes — United States, 2004 – 2008. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2010 Oct 22; 59:1329.
Comment
We all are aware of the dangers inherent in driving at a young age. Graduated driver licensing programs that restrict nighttime driving and number of passengers are associated with reductions in crash risk, and states with such programs have greater reductions in fatal crash rates. Pediatricians can actively address driving risks during adolescent well-child visits by posting and discussing state-specific graduated driving license information. Even in the busiest practices, taking 2 minutes to help avoid the most common cause of teen deaths is well worth the time.