Fewer Delaware teens involved in fatal crashes

A new report shows teen-involved fatal crashes are on the rise nationwide, but Delaware has seen some improvement.

Teen-involved fatal crashes in Delaware were down 20 percent in 2015, according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Teen drivers were involved in 3,200 crashes last year, which caused 840 injuries. Sixteen of those crashes resulted in death. That’s down from 20 teen drivers killed in 2014. 

According to the GHSA report, teen drivers are 1.6 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than adults. Nationally, teen-invovled fatal crashes were up 10 percent in 2015.

“The report by GHSA shows we still have work to do,” said Lisa Flowers of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “We must be diligent in our efforts on and off the road when it comes to preparing teens for driving.”

Flowers pointed to Delaware’s Graduated Driver Licensing as a key way for the state to make sure teen drivers are learning how to be safe behind the wheel, and then applying that knowledge while on Delaware’s roads. 

“Our ongoing awareness and education in the high schools, supported by law enforcement efforts, etc., all help make a difference in reducing teen-driving crashes and fatalities,” said OHS Director Jana Simpler.

The national report, entitled “Mission Not Accomplished: Teen Safe Driving, the Next Chapter,” was issued by GHSA as part of National Teen Driver Safety Week which runs through Saturday.

You can read the complete GHSA report below: