NCJ Number
196358
Date Published
2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This document provides an overview of youth fatality rates from alcohol related automobile accidents and also information on the reduction in those fatalities.
Abstract
The authors investigated trends and collected statistics related to the decrease in youth alcohol related traffic fatalities from 1982 to 2000. Prior research as to the factors attributable for this decrease has been inconclusive. Strategies employed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Students Against Drunk Driving, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to decrease the fatality rates are discussed. Research indicates that strategies that continue to stay effective include ever changing program components to reflect changes in the youth culture. Increased enforcement of zero tolerance laws are also cited as contributing to fatality reduction. In general, during the period studied the total youth population increased while the number of youth related fatalities continued to decrease. People age 15 to 20 comprise 75 percent of alcohol related traffic fatalities. Youth living in rural areas were found to be at greater risk. 26 charts