Citation

Zhu M, Zhao S, Long DL. Epidemiology 2016; 27(5): 620-623.

Affiliation

Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA b Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA c Department of Biostatistics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/EDE.0000000000000502

PMID

27153461

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As a phased approach to initiating driving, graduated driver licensing restricts driving by young drivers with the aim of reducing crashes. It might increase riding with parents or on buses, which might be safer, or walking or biking, which might be more dangerous. We examined whether it increases non-driver injuries, and whether it reduces total injuries combining drivers and non-drivers.

METHODS: We conducted longitudinal analyses of 1995-2012 traffic injuries from 43 states. Using Poisson mixed regression, we estimated adjusted rate ratios (aRR) for visible, incapacitating, and fatal injury.

RESULTS: Among 16 year olds, graduated driver licensing was associated with reduced passenger injuries (aRR 0.93, 95% confidence interval: 0.89, 0.97). It was not associated with increased injuries as bus riders, pedestrians, or bicyclists among 16 or 17 year olds. It was associated with a 10% reduction in total injuries among 16 year olds, but not 17 year olds.

CONCLUSIONS: Graduated driver licensing was associated with reduced passenger injuries and total injuries.

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Language: en