Young Drivers: Laws & Data
GHSA: Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) State Laws
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs allow young drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges. During the 1990s, many states began enacting GDL laws. The programs and types of restrictions vary from state to state.
CDC: Teen Drivers
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens.1 Six teens aged 16 to 19 die every day from motor vehicle crash injuries.1 Per mile driven, teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.2
The good news is that teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable. We know proven strategies can improve the safety of young drivers on the road.
The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was adopted as an effective injury reduction model for reducing driver injury crashes on community roadways. Kean University and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (NJDHTS) adopted crash prevention strategies involving education and enforcement outreach. First, an effective K-12 traffic safety program was established for supporting driver education training and then crash investigation training, and a statewide traffic safety specialist certification was promoted within the law enforcement community. This successful outreach initiative also involves community representation, including law enforcement personnel and parents of novice drivers. Best practices have been established in New Jersey by four traffic safety specialist (TSS)-Level 2 leaders, with over 100 more TSS officers waiting to qualify for this second tier. Future plans involve an outreach program for officers to develop traffic safety programs in their communities while qualifying for the TSS-Level 2 designation. Read More >>
