Motor vehicle crashes are a significant concern, especially for teen drivers in the United States. According to a study conducted by researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, newer vehicles and driver assistance technologies have shown promise in reducing crashes and injury severities. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed national fatal crash data from 2016 to 2021 to examine the relationship between vehicle age, driver assistance technologies, and driver deaths in fatal crashes involving teen and middle-aged drivers.
The findings revealed that driving vehicles that are 6-15 years old poses a 19% greater risk of driver death in fatal crashes, while driving vehicles older than 15 years increases the risk by 31%, compared to driving vehicles that are five years old or newer. Additionally, each driver assistance technology present in the vehicles was associated with a 6% reduction in the risk of driver death in fatal crashes.
Lead author of the study, Jingzhen Ginger Yang, emphasized the importance of ensuring teen drivers operate the safest vehicles available to reduce the high crash rates among this age group. The study also highlighted that teen drivers are more likely than middle-aged drivers to drive older vehicles and vehicles with fewer driver assistance technologies, increasing the risk of death in fatal crashes.
Co-lead author of the study, Fangda Zhang, stressed the need for families to prioritize safety features when choosing a vehicle for teen drivers. Recommendations based on the study findings include driving the safest vehicles available, educating families about the benefits of newer vehicle technologies, and promoting safe driving habits beyond vehicle selection.
Pediatricians and other healthcare providers play a crucial role in educating families about vehicle safety, newer technologies, and safe driving habits for teen drivers. By choosing newer and safer vehicles with more driver assistance technologies, families can significantly reduce the risk of crashes and related injuries for teen drivers.
The study utilized data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a comprehensive crash database that provides detailed information on drivers, vehicles, and crash environments involved in fatal crashes in the US. Moving forward, it is essential for parents and caregivers to prioritize safety when selecting vehicles for teen drivers to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users.
