Teen Driver Safety

October 19-25, 2008 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. In 2006, a total of 4,144 teens aged 16-19 years died, and nearly 400,000 were treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained in motor-vehicle crashes in the United States (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; CDC Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System).

By delaying full driving privileges to help teens gain driving experience under low-risk conditions, comprehensive graduated driver licensing systems can reduce fatal and nonfatal injury crashes of drivers aged 16 years by as much as 38-40%, respectively (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety).

Information about teen driver safety and National Teen Driver Safety Week are available from the CDC.

AAP Teen Driver Resources

The Teen Driver Policy Statement (provides recommendations for pediatricians in the areas of anticipatory guidance, community advocacy, legislative advocacy, and encouraging responsible behavior)

Parent-Teen Driving Agreement and Fact Sheet (available for purchase)

Issue Brief on Teen Driving (an AAP chapter advocacy tool that provides background information on the issue at the state government level that can be used when talking to legislators and other public officials)