Fatal crashes involving young unlicensed drivers in the U.S.

Abstract

Introduction Young unlicensed drivers' involvement in fatal crashes is a recurrent problem in the United States. Methods This descriptive study extracted cross-sectional data on fatal crashes from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System from 1998 to 2002. Young unlicensed driver fatal crashes are examined by age, gender, and region. Results There were 2,452 young unlicensed driver fatal crashes representing 10.8% of all young drivers' fatal crashes. By age, 72.5% are over 15 years, males are involved in 74.5%, and southern and western states have a higher percent of young unlicensed driver fatal crashes. Conclusions Subgroups of young people based on their age, gender, and region are over-represented in fatal crashes as unlicensed drivers. Further studies are needed to investigate the context and factors of young unlicensed drivers, essential to tailor interventions. Impact on industry Young unlicensed drivers circumvent the established licensing process and pose a serious threat to themselves and other road users.