AAA Report on Teen Driver Fatality Reductions More Proof That NJ Graduated License is Working

April 6, 2010

A recently published AAA Foundation for Safety study on New Jersey ’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program credited the program as a model responsible for a drop in fatal crashes among 17-year-old drivers in the state.

The study found that 32 percent fewer 17-year-olds were involved in fatal crashes between 2002-2005 – after the GDL was implemented – than in the period from 1998-2000 prior to its implementation.  When looking at crashes occurring after midnight, the study found a 40 percent drop for 17-year-old drivers and a 17 percent drop for 18-year-old drivers.  Provisions in the GDL law place a midnight curfew on all GDL holders.

After reviewing the report, Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) on Tuesday issued the following statement:

            “The latest report from the AAA Foundation shows that our efforts to protect and train teen drivers through the implementation of a graduated driver’s license program is working, and working well.

            “With the program’s life-saving success outlined in black and white, it is my hope that we can successfully implement the remaining priority provisions of the Teen Driver Study Commission, building a model program that continues to produce safe, educated and competent teen drivers.”