The IIHS study looked at data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2007 to 2016. The researchers divided the states into three groups based on the strength of their GDL laws: strong, moderate, and weak.
States with strong GDL laws had the lowest rates of fatal crashes involving teen drivers. In these states, the fatal crash rate per 100,000 teen drivers was 1.4 in 2016, compared with 2.7 in states with moderate GDL laws and 3.9 in states with weak GDL laws.
The study found that the overall decline in teen fatal crashes has slowed in recent years. The fatal crash rate per 100,000 teen drivers declined by 27% from 2007 to 2016. However, the decline slowed from an average of 7% per year from 2007 to 2012 to an average of 3% per year from 2012 to 2016.
The IIHS study found that stronger GDL laws are associated with lower rates of fatal crashes involving teen drivers. However, the overall decline in teen fatal crashes has slowed in recent years. This suggests that more needs to be done to address the problem of teen driving fatalities.
Recommendations for Stronger Teen GDL Programs
The IIHS recommends that states strengthen their GDL laws by:
* Raising the minimum age for a learner's permit to 16 years old.
* Requiring teens to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before they can get a provisional license.
* Limiting the number of passengers that teen drivers can carry.
* Prohibiting teen drivers from driving at night.
* Requiring teens to complete a driver education course.
These measures can help to reduce the risk of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
