A recent study conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute shows that while fatal crash rates for teen drivers between 15 and 17 years old is declining, fatal crash rates for this same group of drivers when they have a passenger are increasing.
The data
The study evaluated national data for the past ten years regarding fatal crashes in which teen passengers, ages 13 – 17, were present at the time of the crash. Researchers compared the patterns of novice drivers (ages 15-17) with those of young adult drivers (ages 18-24) to determine a relative risk index.
Researchers did not explore or try to find reason for the results. They noted that the ten year period mirrored that period in which texting was a growing trend for teenagers. The study also noted that lack of experience could be a factor. And, the study suggested that one cause of fatal teen crashes could be the lack of development of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, where judgment and decision making activities are centered. This portion of the brain is not fully developed until about age 25.
The results
The study found that fatal crash rates for teen drivers between the ages of 15 and 17 were down 60% during the ten year period. But, the fatal crash risk for teen drivers between the ages of 15 and 17 when a teen passenger was in the vehicle with them increased by 30%. This upward trend was troublesome in light of the overall decrease in traffic deaths during the past ten years.
*From Texas A&M Transportation Institute
The change
As a result of growing concerns over teen driving, many states, including Texas, have instituted graduated driver license laws (GDL laws). The laws are designed to limit the risk for young drivers of crashes. These laws vary by state. Some states prohibit late night driving or limit the number of young passengers in the car with the teen driver. In Texas, drivers under the age of 18 cannot carry more than one passenger under the age of 21 for the first year of licensed driving, excluding family members. Most states also prohibit young drivers from talking or texting on a cell phone while driving. National research data though shows that a significant number of 16-17 year old drivers admit to talking and texting while driving.
See the Texas A&M Transportation Institute article:
