Experts Report Progress in Reducing Teen Driver Crashes but Maintain States, Parents Can Do More

Research Findings, Recommendations Presented at National Safety Council Teen Driver Symposium

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fatal crashes involving 16 year old drivers in 2005 were at their lowest level since 1992, despite the highest national population of 16 year olds (4.2 million) since 1977, according to researchers gathered at a National Safety Council symposium on teen driving. These reductions are due in large measure to implementation of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems in many states, researchers said.

GDL systems provide teens the opportunity to obtain significant driving experience, while minimizing their exposure to high-risk situations. Two of the most significant risks to teens are driving with teen passengers and driving at night. Researchers at the symposium presented evidence that passenger restrictions and night time driving curfews have been effective in reducing teen crashes, injuries and deaths.

The National Safety Council's International Symposium on Novice Teen Driving: GDL and Beyond, brought together researchers, policy makers, state and federal officials as well as representatives of the auto and insurance industries for discussions on the root causes of teen driver crashes and remedies proven to work in reducing teen crashes.

John Ulczycki, National Safety Council Executive Director of Transportation Safety, said the findings and recommendations will now be distributed to state governors, legislators, highway safety leaders and parents.

"While most states have some form of GDL, every state can do more. And regardless of state laws, parents can apply the principles and best practices of GDL to their teen drivers," Ulczycki said.

"Our efforts going forward will be to ask state legislators to strengthen the GDL systems in their states and to educate and inform parents about teen driver risks and the life-saving guidelines that constitute GDL laws.

More than 100 scientists, traffic safety advocates, auto and insurance representatives and state and federal officials attended the symposium sponsored by GEICO Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Centers for Disease Control, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, General Motors Corporation and Nationwide Insurance.