Collision rates are highest among teenage drivers, due to driving inexperience and risk-taking. One means of addressing this is graduated licensing systems (GDL), whereby young drivers progress to a driver’s license by obtaining a learner’s permit and then completing a provisional driver’s license period. In 1997, Connecticut enacted a learner’s permit law requiring 16- or 17-year-olds to meet permit requirements. This study assessed the effectiveness of this law on crash frequency among those Connecticut drivers. Methods: Crash data for three years before the learner’s permit law was passed (1994-96) and three years after (1997-99) were analyzed. Drivers determined to be “at fault” by the investigating police officer were included. Crashes of all types were included. Crash rates were calculated per 1,000 licensed drivers in Connecticut. Estimates of the number of trips for 16- and 17- year-old drivers were obtained from the 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey and used to provide a measure of driving exposure. Results: While the overall crash rate for all drivers increased 18% from 1994 to 1999, the crash rate for 16-year-old drivers involved in all crashes decreased significantly (31%). The rate for 16-year-old drivers involved in fatal and injury crashes also decreased significantly (20%). 668 crashes could be potentially prevented with nighttime (9PM-5AM) driving restrictions and 1,824 crashes prevented with passenger restrictions. We conclude that Connecticut’s learner’s permit law has had a beneficial effect on lowering the crash rate. Further reductions are likely to occur if a full GDL law was enacted.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the impact and extent of the problem of motor vehicle crashes among teenaged drivers. 2. Recognize the effectiveness of graduated licensing systems. 3. Identify considerations in and barriers to evaluation of public policy and legislative initiatives pertaining to graduated licensing systems.
Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, Injury Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.