New Years Eve: 3505 Teen Drivers Killed So Far

December 31, 2012- As of this posting, an estimated 3505 teenagers have been killed in vehicle accidents in 2012. That’s an increase over last years approximately 3400 deaths involving teen drivers.

Some of the deaths can be attributed to texting, cell phone use, and of course, drugs and alcohol. Others are caused by stupid parents that buy high performance cars for their spoiled little brats when they turn 16 or graduate high school. No kid should be issued a drivers license until they are at least 18 years old.  Tell me – Are you gonna hand a loaded gun over to your precious little 16 year old and trust him to walk around town with it? Why not? It’s the same difference.

So parents, please sit down tonight with your teen drivers and preach the gospel to them. Then, after you have your little  bonding session, go stand in front of a mirror and take a good hard look at yourself before you go out and get your own self drunk behind the wheel. Wouldn’t it be nice if the whole family could wake up in the morning at home instead of the local trauma center? Oh, and I’m real sure your local morgue will have an extra slab in the event one of you chooses to not come home at all … ever again.

So whats it gonna be parents? Do you know where your teen is going to ring in the new year tonight? Will they arrive safely at home on January 1st, or will they arrive all neatly wrapped for your viewing pleasure down at the county morgue?

The Roycroft family is wishing you all a very safe and prosperous New Year. Please drive safe and responsible tonight. -JRoycroft

National Teen Driving Statistics

• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds.
• 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age.
• 16-year-olds are 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than the average of all drivers.
• 2,739 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2008, down 13.7% from 3,174 in 2007 and down 20.2% from 3,431 in 1998.
• About 2 out of every 3 teenagers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2008 were males (IIHS).
• Drivers ages 15-20 accounted for 12% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 and 14% of all drivers involved in police-reported crashes.
• 63% of teenage passenger deaths in 2008 occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager. Among deaths of passengers of all ages, 19% occurred when a teenager was driving (IIHS).
• 81% of teenage motor vehicle crash deaths in 2008 were passenger vehicle occupants.
• The number of drivers ages 15-20 involved in fatal crashes totaled 5,864 in 2008, down 16% from 6,982 in 2007 and down 26% from 7,987 in 1998.
• In 2006 (latest data available) crashes involving 15- to 17-year-olds cost more than $34 billion nationwide in medical treatment, property damage and other costs, according to an AAA analysis.
• In states with GDL programs that include at least five of the most important elements, there was a 20% reduction in fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2008:
  • Hand-held cellphone use was highest among 16- to 24-year-olds (8% in 2008, down from 9% in 2007).
  • 37% of male drivers ages 15-20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time.
  • 55%, or 2,014, of the 3,678 occupants of passenger vehicles ages 16-20 who were killed in crashes were not buckled up.
  • 31% of drivers ages 15-20 who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking some amount of alcohol; 25% were alcohol-impaired, meaning they had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher.
• Statistics show that 16- and 17-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger (IIHS).

• In a national survey of more than 900 teens with driver’s licenses from 26 high schools, teens rated the following behaviors or activities as “extremely” or “very” distracting:
  (Liberty Mutual)
  • Instant or text messaging while driving – 37%
  • The teen driver’s emotional state – 20%
  • Having several friends in the car – 19%
  • Talking on a cell phone – 14%
  • Eating or drinking – 7%
  • Having a friend in the car – 5%
  • Listening to music – 4%
• More fatal teen crashes occur when passengers (often other teens) are in the car.
  (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
• Two out of three teens that died as passengers are in vehicles driven by other teens.
  (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
• When teenage drivers transport passengers there is a greatly increased crash risk. When there are multiple passengers, the crash risk is three to five times greater than when driving alone. The risk is also greater for young drivers aged 16 to 17.
  (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
• In a 2005 study, researchers found that when teens drive other teens, they tend to drive faster than other motorists and to leave less distance between their vehicles and the vehicles in front of them.
  (National Institute of Health and Westat)