Teen auto deaths are one of our country’s great tragedies. Every day, hundreds of deaths that occur are not accidents; rather, they are preventable.
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that examined the different state laws in regards to teen driving regulations. They examined factors such as driving hours and how many passengers can be in the car. Kids driving later and kids driving with more passengers have more accidents.
The study showed that 47 out of every 100,000 teens on average die in car crashes every year, but with the restrictions, that average falls to 30 out of every 100,000, which is dramatic.
Car crashes are responsible for more than one third of deaths in teens in the U.S., so this is critical to note that stricter regulations will lower those numbers. The take-home message is to talk to your teenagers and try to help them understand the importance and responsibility that comes with driving. Then, talk with your legislators.