Traffic Accidents Take Deadly Toll on Teens

In addition to death and injury, traffic accidents in low-income and middle-income countries cost $65 billion to $100 billion annually. These costs include loss of income and the burden placed on families to care for their injured relative, the editorial noted.

Young male cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians in poorer countries are more at risk of death in traffic accidents, as the roads in these countries are not designed to allow people, bikes and cars to share space. In addition, protective or bright clothing is rarely worn in such countries, the editorial pointed out.

The young are also at risk from driving drunk, driving too fast and inexperience. Some deliberately take risks due to peer pressure. Better road planning, more cyclists wearing helmets, and tougher police enforcement against drinking and driving are among the measures that would reduce death and injury, the editorial noted.

"But the individual solution lies with what is perhaps one of the hardest things to change -- human behavior. Road accidents disproportionately affect young people. Being taught about road safety from a very young age must become a priority, with adults setting a good example at all times," the editorial concluded.

In addition, Sheehan believes initiatives such as graduated licensing programs -- where teen driving is restricted to certain times of the day and limit the number of other teens who can be in the car -- are good first steps to reducing the number of accidents.

Sheehan also recommends that parents establish driving rules with their teenagers. "You sit down with your teen driver and set out some rules, and both the parents and the teen agree to those rules," she said. "It's not that they shouldn't drive, but that they should drive safely."

More information

For more information on safe driving for teens, visit the National Safety Council.

SOURCES: Karen Sheehan, M.D., medical director, Injury Prevention and Research, Children's Memorial Hospital, and medical director, Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Chicago; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; April 21, 2007,The Lancet