In his monthly column, Dr. Kent Herbert answers your questions related to health care matters. Simply submit your question to deb@newfalconherald.com. It’s your chance to ask the doc.Question: What are the factors involved when teens drive carelessly?Answer: The leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States is not disease, but rather motor vehicle accidents that account for one out of three teenage deaths. In 2008, there were nine deaths per day from injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. Per each mile driven, teen drivers are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.Among teenagers, males are more likely to die from car accidents than females; and, in 2006, the motor vehicle death rate for male teenage drivers and passengers was almost two times that of females. The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers as well and this risk increases with the number of teen passengers in the car. The risk of a crash is statistically much higher during the first year teenagers are eligible to drive. Fortunately, the majority of these crashes are preventable, and Colorado is ahead of the game at implementing proven strategies that aim at prevention.There are several reasons why teens are more likely to be involved in accidents than older drivers. First, they are more likely to underestimate dangerous situations or not be able to recognize hazardous situations. They are also more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter distances between them and the car in front of them. Compared with other age groups, teenagers have the lowest rate of seatbelt use. In 2005, 10 percent of high school students reported they rarely or never wear seatbelts when riding with someone else. Male high school students (12.5 percent) were more likely than female students (7.8 percent) to rarely or never wear seat belts. In 2008, about three out of every four teen drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes after drinking and driving were not wearing a seat belt.Alcohol use, unfortunately, continues to be a factor in many accidents involving teenagers. At all levels of blood alcohol concentration, the risk of getting into a crash is higher for teens than for older drivers. In 2008, 25 percent of drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or higher. In 2007, nearly three out of 10 teens reported that within the previous month they had ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol. One in 10 reported having driven after drinking alcohol within the same one-month period. Finally, the time of day that teens are driving has a big impact on their risk of a crash. In 2008, half of teen deaths from motor vehicle accidents occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight and 56 percent occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.Knowing these factors should help parents restrict the driving of their teenagers to eliminate high risk activities, as well as to educate them about healthy driving habits. Furthermore, Colorado’s driver education requirements for new teen drivers are designed to target these high risk behaviors and teach teens safe driving practices. Research shows that the most comprehensive driver education programs are associated with an up to 40 percent reduction in injuries and deaths from motor vehicle accidents for teen drivers.Many health risks cannot be avoided and are a significant cause of death and disability. This is not the case with driving accidents. More than any other age group, deaths among teenagers are highly preventable; and, by concentrating on eliminating high risk behaviors, parents can reduce the risk for their son or daughter. Dr. Kent HerbertBoard-Certified Family PhysicianFalcon Family Medicine7641 McLaughlin RoadFalcon, CO 80831(719) 494-2006(719) 494-8448 faxwww.FalconFamilyMedicine.com
