This will set the stage for chapter three, which will deal with education and potential solutions. They account for roughly one-third of all fatalities in this age group. People age 16 to 20 have the highest traffic-related fatality rate of any age group. People age 16 to 20 make up only 6 percent of American drivers and drive only 3 percent of all miles driven. Yet they are involved in 15 percent of traffic deaths.
Traffic accidents are the leading cause of disability and spinal cord injuries among youth.
With these sobering statistics as a backdrop, let's take a look at the factors endangering our young drivers. Though this may seem obvious on its face, it bears repeating. There's a vast difference between riding in the passenger seat and being behind the wheel. He's the embodiment of callow youth. Something similar occurs when a young person gets behind the wheel of a car.