Evaluation and Compliance of Passenger Restrictions in a Graduated Driver Licensing Program

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15255562007PDFResearch PaperChaudhary, Neil K.Williams, AllanNissen, W. J.Preusser Research Group, Inc.United States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationCaliforniaMassachusettsVirginiaArizonaConnecticutMarylandRecently qualified driversTeenage driversGraduated licensingState lawsEvaluation and assessmentImpact studiesDOT-HS-810-781NTIS-PB2008103288DTNH22-02-D-35121Ellison-Potter, PatriciaFinal reportTeen drivers are several times more likely to become involved in a crash when traveling with one, two, and three or more passengers as compared to traveling alone. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws in 37 States (as of January 2007) limit the number of passengers that may travel with a newly licensed 16-year-old driver. The effects of these laws were evaluated in three States: California (compared with Arizona), Massachusetts (compared with Connecticut), and Virginia (compared with Maryland). Time series analysis showed that 16-year-old driver crash involvements were reduced (740 per year in California; 173 in Massachusetts; and 454 in Virginia) as were motor vehicle related injuries among 15- to 17-year-olds (drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists) in all three States. Parents and teens in focus groups reported that the restriction was often violated. Police reported that the law was often difficult to enforce. Nevertheless, even incomplete adherence to the law had a positive impact on both teen driver crashes and injuries. /Abstract from report summary page/129