Teen road deaths drop in wake of new laws, education

Louisiana’s 2008 drop of 8.2 percent in the number of traffic deaths and 3.8 percent reduction in injuries has been great news for everyone involved in highway safety. The 2008 declines in highway deaths and injuries were the steepest in 15 years.

While those improvements gave public safety officials reason to rejoice, we were especially excited about the steep decline in deaths and injuries involving young drivers.

Traditionally, teen drivers are killed and injured in highly disproportionate numbers to older drivers. Youthful drivers – especially in rural areas – continued to be involved in higher numbers of crashes in 2008, but the death and injury rate for this group was greatly improved – including in incidents that involved alcohol.

Drivers 18-20 involved in fatal crashes declined by 34 percent in 2008, and also experienced a drop in alcohol-related deaths. Even with these improvements, 87 drivers in that age group were involved in fatal crashes last year.

Many factors contribute to either declines or increases in highway deaths and injuries. It’s hard to pinpoint any single one that caused our marked improvement in Louisiana. However, a number of laws and numerous outreach programs to young drivers have been implemented in Louisiana in recent years with the aim of reducing highway deaths and injuries. Many of these changes and programs targeted underage drinking.

In 1995, the Louisiana Legislature made it illegal to sell alcohol to persons under 21.

In 1997, the Legislature passed a “zero tolerance” law severely limiting the blood alcohol content allowed for drivers under 21.

Over the years, the Legislature has stiffened the requirements for young people to obtain a driver’s license. The R.Y.A.N. (Reduce Youth Accidents Now) Act requires teen applicants to take formal driving lessons in classrooms and behind the wheel and requires them to obtain a learner’s permit before earning a full driver’s license at a minimum age of 16.

In the area of public education, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and other organizations have implemented programs aimed at young drivers. Much of the commission’s effort was directed at educating teens regarding the dangers of drinking and driving.

The commission created and placed anti-drinking and driving ads on television and radio programs popular with young people. The commission also provided funds to organizations that educate high school and college students regarding highway safety issues.

A life saved is a life saved, regardless of the deceased person’s age. However, the loss of a young life in a crash seems that much sadder to many. We believe the new laws and education programs are playing a part in reducing the tragic consequences of crashes involving our state’s young people.