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2001 National Youth Fatal Crash and Alcohol Facts

There were 12.9 million licensed drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 on the nation's roads, accounting for 6.8 percent of all drivers.

In as many as thirty-five percent of all fatal crashes involving drivers between the ages of 15 and 20, the driver's blood alcohol content was above .08.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds. 3,608 young people were killed and an additional 337,000 were injured.

The estimated economic cost of police-reported crashes involving drivers between 15 and 20 years old was $42.3 billion.

Young drivers are less likely to use restraints when they have been drinking. Seventy percent of the young drivers of passenger vehicles involved in fatal crashes who had been drinking were unrestrained. Of the young drivers who had been drinking and killed in crashes, 79 percent were unrestrained.

The greatest number of motor vehicle crashes occur from the months of May through September when most students are on summer vacation.

The highest intoxication rates in fatal crashes were recorded for drivers 21-24 year old (33 percent).

The 21-year old minimum drinking age laws have saved an estimated 20,970 lives since 1975. In 2001 alone, it is estimated that these laws saved 927 lives.

In 2001, more 19-year olds died in alcohol-related traffic crashes than any other single age.

The laws establishing a 21-year-old minimum drinking age have saved an estimated 20,043 lives since 1975. In 2000 alone, these laws saved an estimated 922 lives.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have 21-year old minimum drinking age and zero tolerance laws.

2000 National Youth Fatal Crash and Alcohol Facts

Sources:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Center for Health Statistics