Fatal crashes involving young unlicensed drivers in the U.S.

Prevalence of impaired driving behaviors in a diverse, rural, southern middle school

“…Young adolescent drivers have been identified by some researchers as those licensed and unlicensed drivers under the age of 19 (Hanna et al, 2006). More specifically, many young unlicensed adolescent drivers are ineligible, typically due to age, to obtain a driver's license but still operate a motor vehicle (Hanna et al, 2006).…”

“…More specifically, many young unlicensed adolescent drivers are ineligible, typically due to age, to obtain a driver's license but still operate a motor vehicle (Hanna et al, 2006). Although there are no national rates for unlicensed teen driving, studies have shown evidence that up to 57% of 15 year olds and 10% of 16 year olds did not have a license at the time of a fatal crash (Williams et al, 1997).…”

“…These crashes accounted for 436 fatalities, most of whom were 2-14 years of age (Frisch et al, 2003). The prevalence of unlicensed adolescents who drive motor vehicles, as well as engage in associated risky behaviors, warrants examination because adolescents who drive before they are legally licensed are at increased risk of accident involvement upon licensing (Hanna et al, 2006). Furthermore, the use of alcohol increases the risk for fatal crash involvement, particularly for those under the age of 21 (Zador, 1991).…”

How do car crashes happen among young drivers aged 18–20 years? Typical circumstances in relation to license status, alcohol impairment and injury consequences

“…single and night time crashes and also had a higher rate of crashes under the influence of alcohol. Studies of unlicensed drivers, still few in numbers, show that crashes involving unlicensed drivers more often result in severe or fatal consequences (Blows et al, 2005;Hanna et al, 2006). It has also been indicated that unlicensed drivers are more often engaged in risky driving behaviors, such as driving when suffering from alcohol impairment and sleepiness (Blows et al, 2005).…”

“…Against this background, this study was undertaken to investigate crash circumstances among young newly licensed drivers and unlicensed drivers of the same age, a problem identified in recent studies (Kallail et al, 2008;Hanna et al, 2006;Blows et al, 2005).…”