Fatal teen auto accidents are a leading cause of death worldwide
An editorial in the April 21 issue of The Lancet discusses some troubling reports regarding fatal teen auto accidents. The article provides information from a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which underline the risks faced by teen drivers.
According to the report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) this week, fatal auto accidents are the leading cause of deaths among teens and young adults between 10 and 24 worldwide. Most of the deaths for teens occur in developing countries where simple interventions could greatly reduce the number killed. The organization promoted a long list of suggestions, such as safer roads and vehicles, helmet laws, prosecution of speeders and drunk drivers and better education for drivers and pedestrians.
In the United States, the number of auto accident deaths has declined since the introduction of seat belt laws, air bags and generally safer cars. However, teens in this country still face a significant risk of being involved in a fatal auto accident. Young drivers are often less experienced operating a vehicle and take greater risks while driving. There is also an established increased risk for fatal accidents if a lot of teens or kids are in a car.
Some interesting and troubling findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include:
- Fatal auto accidents are the leading cause for those between 10 and 24 worldwide
- About 30% of all auto accidents fatalities involve individuals under 25
- Auto accidents result in annual costs of over $500 billion worldwide in medical care, disability and property damage
- In the United States, about two out of every five deaths for teens are caused by auto accidents
- Drivers between 16 and 19 in the United States are four times more likely than older drivers to be involved in an accident.
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