NCJ Number
191645
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association Volume: 286 Issue: 13 Dated: October 3, 2001 Pages: 1631-1632
Date Published
October 2001
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the implementation of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Systems in the United States and its impact on reducing crashes among young teenage drivers.
Abstract
The crash risk among teenage drivers in the United States is seen as exceeding any other age group, with the crash risk highest among 16- and 17-year-old drivers. In the mid-1990's, many States accepted the new graduated driver licensing (GDL) concept for teenage drivers. Currently, 43 States and the District of Columbia have implemented at least 1 or more of the GDL components with 34 States and the District of Columbia instituting a three-stage system. The three-stage system includes: completion of learner's stage or supervised driving, intermediate stage or unsupervised driving during low-risk situations, and full licensure. This article reviewed evaluations conducted on both the Michigan and North Carolina laws seen as having the most stringent GDL systems. Michigan and North Carolina experienced dramatic crash reductions with the implementation of the GDL system. These results were consistent with the reductions in other jurisdictions combining delayed licensure with increased learning and/or more restrictions. Acknowledging the vast variations in GDL and pre-GDL systems across the States, recommendations for future research should include identifying measures and methods that facilitate comparisons across jurisdictions. Current evidence suggests GDL systems are an effective strategy in protecting young teenage drivers. References