Car Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens or young adults in Canada and in the United States. In Canada, Statistics Canada reported that from the years 2000 through to 2004, motor vehicle crashes causing death accounted for 1.3% of all deaths in Canada; however, 17.3% of all deaths among Canadians younger than 30 years old. The research also showed that males consistently had higher motor vehicle accident deaths than did females.
In the US, the Centers for Disease Control, reported that each year over 5,000 teens ages 16 to 20 die due to fatal injuries caused car accidents. It further reported that about 400,000 drivers age 16 to 20 will be seriously injured.
In summary, teenagers are about 10 percent of the US population but account for 12 percent all fatal car crashes.
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, including communities such as Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville and Guelph, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.
MADD notes that while there has been a significant decline in road fatality and injury rates among teens over the last two decades, progress in the recent past has stalled. Road crashes still remain the leading cause of death among teenagers and more 19 year olds die or are seriously injured than any other age group. Studies conclude that young drivers are over-represented in road crashes for two primary reasons: inexperience and immaturity. 40% of teenage drivers who are killed in road crashes have been drinking.
See MADD’s website for the full article: http://madd.ca/english/research/magnitudememo.html
On November 17, 2010 — MADD Canada gathered with Transport Canada and road safety organizations to observe a National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims.
“On this day, we remember and honour those killed or injured in road crashes and the family members and friends who must deal with their sudden and unexpected losses,” said MADD Canada National President Denise Dubyk. See MADD’s website for the full article: http://madd.ca/english/news/pr/p20101117.htm