INTRODUCTION: Twenty-seven states in the U.S. have implemented Graduated Driver Licensing Systems (GDLS) in the hopes of preventing young driver crashes. The current study examines the characteristics of adolescent driver crashes in a non-GDLS environment, focusing on the two principal factors that are targeted by these new licensing systems, nighttime curfew hours and the unsupervised transport of young passengers. METHODS: Data was obtained from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), a computerized database of police crash reports in the state of California. Driver licensure data was obtained from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Study subjects are passenger vehicle drivers between the ages of 15 and 17 involved in injury crashes in California between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 1998. Two comparison groups are used--18 to 24 and 25 to 49 year old drivers. RESULTS: 14,000 young drivers were involved in SWITRS-reported injury crashes. 175 (1.25%) of these young drivers were involved in collisions that resulted in one or more fatalities. The vast majority were 16 (5563, 39.7%) or 17 years old (8011, 57.2%), and 54.0% were males. The presence of young passengers is compared by age, gender, hour of crash, and alcohol involvement. Crash involvement rates are calculated for each of the age groups. Logistic regression analysis is used to calculate odds ratios, comparing characteristics of young driver crashes to adult driver crashes and fatal to nonfatal collisions. Road type, crash severity, alcohol involvement, and speed are evaluated as effect modifiers and confounders.
Learning Objectives: Participants of this session will gain an understanding of the salient characteristics of adolescent injury crashes
Keywords: Motor Vehicles, Injury
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.