Work-Related Motor Vehicle Crashes: Preventing Injuries to Young Drivers. What Parents Should Know.

摘要

Teens and young adults have higher crash rates than any other group. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related fatalities among young people in the United States ages 16 to 24. From 2003 to 2010, 843 workers ages 16 to 24 died in motor vehicle crashes at work. These incidents accounted for 22% of all workplace fatalities in this age group. In 67% of these incidents, the young worker was driving the vehicle involved in the crash. Federal child labor laws severely limit workplace driving by youth under 18 years of age. Although most young adults are allowed by law to drive on the job starting at age 18, they lack the maturity and driving experience of their older co-workers. Young drivers might also be more likely to engage in driving behaviors that increase their risk of injury or death, such as not wearing seat belts or driving while distracted. If you are a parent of a teen or young adult who drives as part of his or her job, it is important that you understand the risk for motor vehicle crashes at work. This fact sheet gives information about Federal and state laws that cover workplace driving and offers recommendations for you and your son or daughter for preventing motor vehicle crashes among younger workers. Finally, it provides links to useful resources on the Internet.