The numbers of 16- and 17-year-old driver deaths in passenger vehicles in the United States were slightly higher for the first six months of 2011 than in the first six months of 2010, based on preliminary data supplied by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Deaths of 16-year-olds increased from 80 to 93 (16 percent).
Deaths of 17-year-olds increased from 110 to 118 (7 percent). Overall, 16-and-17-year-old drivers deaths increased from 190 to 211 (11 percent ). Twenty-three states had increases in deaths of 16- and 17-year-olds, 19 had decreases, and there was no change in 8 states plus the District of Columbia. Most of the changes were small.
If this trend continued in the second half of 2011, it will mark a reversal of longstanding yearly declines in teen driver deaths, especially among 16-year-olds.
Graduated driver licensing (GDL ) systems, which began to be introduced in the mid- 1990s, and adverse economic trends in recent years leading to fewer miles behind the wheel, are thought to be primarily responsible for the declines.
Deaths reached historic lows in 2010: 158 deaths of 16-year-old drivers compared with 508 in pre- GDL 1995; and 250 17-year-old driver deaths compared with 507 in 1995. These are much larger decreases than occurred in other age groups. Deaths of 16- and 17-year-old drivers in 2011 are still relatively low, and it is not a surprise that the numbers may be stabilizing or increasing slightly.
Positive effects based on GDL laws and law upgrades that went into effect between 1996 and 2010 are leveling off. In addition, economic conditions have improved. The economic downturn in 2008 and 2009 is thought to have contributed strongly to crash reductions by reducing travel, especially among teenagers and others with limited income.
However, widespread further strengthening of state GDL s is still possible, and compliance with the rules can be improved. Increasing GDL effects in these ways, and finding effective ways outside of GDL to reduce young driver crashes are important goals.