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Teen Drivers

Teen driving deaths reaching epidemic proportions

Did you know…

...motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for drivers age 15-20?

...the FHWA estimates that if drivers had just ½ second more warning it would prevent 60% of all rear-end collisions?

...speed typically plays a role in about 40% of crash deaths for 16 year olds?

The Challenge: Providing Safer Roadways for Teen Drivers

Of drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2003, 64% were teens between 15 and 20 years of age, though this group represented only 6.4% of drivers involved in crashes.
Roadway departure fatalities which include run off the road (ROR) and head-on fatalities, account for more than half of all roadway fatalities.
New data suggests that cable median barriers are an effective mechanism for preventing fatal and disabling crashes from median crossovers.
Traffic accidents account for 2% of all deaths but for drivers age 15-20 they are responsible for 35% of deaths.

The Solution: Low-Cost Improvements Can Make Roads Safer for Teen Drivers

Sign and pavement marking improvements result in a 42% reduction in crashes.
Crash studies show that post-mounted delineators and chevrons can reduce run-off-road crashes by up to 58% and 31% respectively.
Studies show that speed displays can significantly improve speed limit compliance by reducing vehicle speeds by approximately 10 mph.
Crash studies show that edge lines on two-lane roadways typically reduce crash frequency, especially in horizontal curves.