Teen drivers behind the wheel

March 29, 2000

Across the United States, safety advocates have stepped up campaigns for states to restrict the number of passengers permitted to ride with a newly licensed teen driver.

A recent study found that 16-year-old drivers carrying one passenger were 39 percent more likely to be killed in a car accident, than when driving alone. That increased to 86 percent with two passengers, and 182 percent with three or more. The study found that a higher number of passengers can mean more distractions, risk-taking, and foolish behavior on the part of the driver. So far only nine states have special license restrictions in place.

Source: Associated Press

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