A national evaluation of the nighttime and passenger restriction components of graduated driver licensing

IntroductionThe high crash rate of youthful novice drivers has been recognized for half a century. Over the last decade, graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems, which extend the period of supervised driving and limit the novice's exposure to higher-risk conditions (such as nighttime driving), have effectively reduced crash involvements of novice drivers.MethodThis study used data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the implementation dates of GDL laws in a state-by-year panel study to evaluate the effectiveness of two key elements of GDL laws: nighttime restrictions and passenger limitations.ResultsNighttime restrictions were found to reduce 16- and 17-year-old driver involvements in nighttime fatal crashes by an estimated 10% and 16- and 17-year-old drinking drivers in nighttime fatal crashes by 13%. Passenger restrictions were found to reduce 16- and 17-year-old driver involvements in fatal crashes with teen passengers by an estimated 9%.ConclusionsThese results confirm the effectiveness of these provisions in GDL systems. Impact on Public Health. States without the nighttime or passenger restrictions in their GDL law should strongly consider adopting them.Impact on IndustryThe results of this study indicate that nighttime restrictions and passenger limitations are very important components of any GDL law.

► The effects of nighttime and passenger restrictions in graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems were studied.
► Nighttime restrictions reduce 16- and 17-year-old driver involvements in nighttime fatal crashes by an estimated 10%.
► Nighttime restrictions reduce 16- and 17-year-old drinking driver involvements in nighttime fatal crashes by 13%.
► Passenger restrictions reduce 16- and 17-year-old driver involvements in fatal crashes with teen passengers by 9%.
► States without the nighttime or passenger restrictions in their GDL law should strongly consider adopting them.