Romance with the automobile in the 20th century: implications for adolescents in a new millennium

Adolesc Med. 2000 Feb;11(1):127-39.

Abstract

Nearly three-fourths of deaths among American adolescents and young adults result from only four causes: motor vehicle accidents, other unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide. Thirty percent of those deaths result from motor vehicle accidents, the number one cause of death among adolescents. A number of factors that influence the morbidity and mortality are associated with driving. Compared to other countries, it is easier for American adolescent to obtain a relatively inexpensive license and gain access to a car. For the young driver, adolescent development and increased risk taking, inexperience, dangerous driving behavior, and alcohol-related factors are of special significance. In this article, we review recent crash statistics as well as effectiveness of various preventive measures, including driver education, graduated licensing, alcohol-related measures, and vehicle-related factors. Graduated licensing and alcohol-related measures have been the most effective measures so far.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic* / mortality
  • Accidents, Traffic* / prevention & control
  • Accidents, Traffic* / statistics & numerical data
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior* / psychology
  • Adolescent Medicine
  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alcohol Drinking / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control
  • Automobile Driving / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Automobile Driving / psychology
  • Automobile Driving / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cause of Death
  • Dangerous Behavior
  • Forecasting
  • Health Education / methods
  • Humans
  • Licensure
  • Psychology, Adolescent / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sex Distribution
  • United States / epidemiology