Citation

Sweedler B. Transp. Res. Circular 2009; (E-C132): 95-102.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Safety researchers and policy makers have recognized for some time that young and inexperienced drivers are overrepresented in traffic crashes. Of all the strategies to reduce these crashes, those that affect a young person's freedom to drive hold the greatest promise. A driver's license is among the most prized possessions of youth. It follows that young people will be attentive to driving safety programs that attempt to control the conditions under which they can drive—including program components that, independently, might have little appeal. This "carrot and stick" strategy has been incorporated into a number of programs for licensing young drivers. This paper discusses two interrelated legislative approaches to the young driver problem: Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), which is intended to help young drivers ease into driving under less risky circumstances as they develop their driving skills; and zero tolerance, which attempts to reduce the possibility that young drivers will drink and drive. Often, zero tolerance is one of the elements of GDL, although they are sometimes legislated separately. The paper discusses the history of these legislative approaches and research showing their effectiveness. It then discusses how to move forward in improving these laws and ultimately the safety of young drivers.