Increase in Teen Driving Deaths

A report from the Governors Highway Safety Association finds the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers killed in car accidents increased dramatically in the first half of last year. The Association’s Kendell Poole gives details.  “The trend is going back up.” Poole gives the latest figures. “16 and 17-year-old driver deaths have increased 19%.” The Governors Highway Safety Association would like to strengthen driving laws for teens, explains Poole. “We want to strengthen our GDL laws and that is our Graduated Driver’s Licensing laws all across the country.” Finally, Poole examines the factors that could have contributed to the increase in teen driving deaths. “Some would point to good weather and some would point to the economy.  When the economy is good that means more people are driving and more teenagers are driving.” The Governors Highway Safety Association is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The full report on the increase in teen driving deaths is available online at www.ghsa.org.