The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that in 2013 over 2000 teens in the U.S. ages 16 to 19 were killed and over 243,000 were treated in emergency departments, as a result of injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes.
Six teens died every day from motor vehicle injuries.
The CDC further reported that the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16 to 19 year olds than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.
In 2013, the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 16 to 19 was almost two times that of their female counterparts.
The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This risk increases with the number of teen passengers.
Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate dangerous situations or not be able to recognize hazardous situations.
Among male drivers between 15 and 20 years of age who were involved in fatal crashes in 2012, 35% were speeding at the time of the crash and 25% had been drinking.
The CDC reiterated that deaths and injuries can be prevented by use of seat belts, not drinking and driving, the need for skill building and driving supervision for new drivers.
Reduction in fatalities and deaths can also be achieved through graduated driver licensing programs. Research suggests that comprehensive GDL programs are associated with reductions of 38% and 40% in fatal and injury crashes, respectively, among 16 year old drivers.