Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, prompting researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to delve into the data and explore ways to reduce the risks associated with teen driving. In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, the researchers analyzed national fatal crash data from 2016 to 2021, focusing on the age of vehicles and the presence of driver assistance technologies driven by both teen and middle-aged drivers.
The study revealed that driving vehicles that are 6-15 years old poses a 19% greater risk of driver death in fatal crashes, while driving vehicles older than 15 years increases the risk by 31%, compared to driving vehicles that are five years old or newer. Additionally, each driver assistance technology present in vehicles was associated with a 6% reduction in the risk of driver death in fatal crashes.
Lead author of the study, Jingzhen Ginger Yang, emphasized the importance of ensuring teen drivers operate the safest vehicles available. Teen drivers, aged 15-18, were found to be more likely than middle-aged drivers, aged 31-55, to drive vehicles older than 15 years and vehicles with fewer driver assistance technologies at the time of fatal crashes.
Fangda Zhang, co-lead author of the study, highlighted the need for families to prioritize safety features when choosing a vehicle for their teen drivers. The practice of passing down older vehicles to teens, while a common occurrence, can increase their vulnerability to vehicle malfunctions, making their driving less safe.
The study authors propose recommendations based on their findings, including prioritizing newer and safer vehicles for teen drivers, educating families about the benefits of newer vehicle technologies, and promoting safe driving habits beyond vehicle selection. They also stress the importance of following state Graduated Driver Licensing requirements and avoiding risky driving behaviors.
Data for the study were obtained from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a comprehensive crash database widely used in traffic safety research for its detailed information on drivers, vehicles, and crash environments involved in U.S. fatal crashes.
Overall, the study underscores the significance of safe vehicle strategies, education for families, and ensuring that teens drive safer cars whenever possible. By making informed choices about the vehicles driven by teen drivers, families can contribute to the overall safety of teen drivers and other road users.
