A driver’s license is among the most prized possession of a youth and a reason
for concern for most parents. Today there are over 26 million young drivers in the
United States. Motor vehicle accidents are unnecessary high among young drivers
between the ages of 15-20. Accidents risks decline with increased experience, but with
more newly licensed teenagers driving, the greater their risk for being involved in a
accident. Hence, the dilemma facing policy makers and parents is how to provide young
drivers with driving experience without unduly increasing their accident risk. Youth
drivers between the ages of 15-20 years old accounted for 31 percent of all motor
vehicle accidents and are the leading cause of death. Unless commitments are made to
bring together diverse groups to change laws and to educate the public about the dangers
of youth drivers we will continue to have senseless death among are young.
TEEN-DRIVING: STOPPING THE TRAGEDIES
There are over 210 million licensed drivers in the United States. Young drivers
between 15 and 20 years old account for 26.1 million of the total number of licensed
driver in the United States. Motor vehicular accidents are the leading cause of death for
15-20 year old. Research has shown that 77 percent of all fatal accidents involving
young drivers were due to underestimating hazardous situations, running red lights and
making illegal turns (Ferguson, 2006, pp. 23-26).Young people have the highest
reported rates of weekly and monthly drinking and drug use. They also have the highest
rate (23 percent) of driving after drinking and drug use. Furthermore, 15-20 year old
drivers, particularly males, tend to be high risk takers, in that they have relativity high
rates of speeding and aggressive driving offensives. Of the number of young driver
killed in accidents almost 75 percent were not wearing seat belts (Statistics & Analysis).
Nearly...