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March \| April 2004 Volume 78 Issue 2

Commentary

Only half of states have best measure to reduce teen crashes

Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of Americans support laws limiting the number of teenage passengers who may ride with inexperienced teen drivers, according to a nationwide poll released in January by AAA, yet just half of states have these lifesaving laws. Crash data show that passenger restriction laws, an important component of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems, are the most effective way to reduce teen crashes, deaths and injuries.

The survey also found that most adults (73 percent) think that public officials should do more to improve the safety of drivers between the ages of 15 to 19. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people 15 to 20 years of age.

Currently, 48 states and the District of Columbia have some form of a Graduated Drivers Licensing law (GDL). GDL laws help novice drivers learn to drive by controlling the progression toward full, unrestricted driving. There are still a number of states that, in addition to needing passenger restrictions, need to add or improve their nighttime driving restrictions and behind-the-wheel training.

Here in Colorado, at press time, state legislators were grappling with details of three teen driving bills concerning driver's education and the learner's permit process, passenger restrictions, and the use of cell phones.

In 1999 AAA Colorado supported legislative efforts to improve teen driver safety. That year, Colorado became the 38th state to pass a GDL law, which in its first two years saw an 18 percent reduction in teen involvement in crashes and fatalities.

Because of a series of tragic crashes involving teen drivers and teen passengers last year, AAA Colorado continues to support efforts to help teens become safe drivers.

AAA—when will you need it?

You may see and hear this phrase in coming months as AAA Colorado begins a marketing campaign to bring new members into the fold. Although research shows that AAA is one of the most recognized brands in America and is viewed as one of the country's most trusted and credible sources for roadside assistance, travel and insurance, our continued success depends on our ability to attract new members on a sustained basis.

Increasing our membership base will enable us to maintain our high level of service to members while keeping dues at affordable rates. The campaign's message, "You never know when you'll need AAA," will be seen and heard February through August on billboards and radio around metro Denver.

AAA Colorado Poll Issue: Teen Driving Safety

1. Do you favor or oppose enacting laws to limit the number of teenage passengers in cars driven by newly licensed teenage drivers?

Favor — call 303-753-8800 ext. 8319
Oppose — call 303-753-8800 ext. 8449
Don't know or need more information — call 303-753-8800 ext. 8579

AAA Safety Tips

Buckle up—In 2002 safety belts were not used in 77% of teen fatalities.

Limit the number of passengers—Teen drivers accounted for 81% of teen passenger deaths in 2002.

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