Teen driving: motor-vehicle crashes and factors that contribute


Shope, J. T., & Bingham, C. R. (2008). Teen driving: Motor-vehicle crashes and factors that contribute. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35(3 Suppl), S261-71.

More information

 

Abstract

The motor-vehicle crash risk of novice teen drivers is unacceptably high. This article examines the historical trends in fatal crash rates for male and female teen drivers as compared to adult drivers by both population and person-miles driven. The effect of motor-vehicle policies on teen driver crashes, characteristics of teen driver crashes, and combinations of these crash characteristics are also examined. A framework of seven categories of influences on teen driving behavior is presented, including the following elements: driving ability, developmental factors, behavioral factors, personality factors, demographics, the perceived environment, and the driving environment. Because a complex set of different factors influence teen drivers' behavior, comprehensive, multilevel interventions are needed to reduce teen drivers' exposure to high-risk driving conditions and to address factors identified in the framework.

 

MeSH Terms
    Accidents, Traffic/prevention & control*
    Accidents, Traffic/statistics & numerical data*
    Adolescent
    Adolescent Behavior*
    Age Factors
    Automobile Driving*
    Female
    Humans
    Male
    Risk Factors
    United States/epidemiology
    Young Adult