APPLICATIONS OF ACCIDENT DATA ON YOUNG DRIVER RESEARCH

Accident data collection, analysis, and findings are discussed as they relate to young drivers. The report serves as an example of how several accident and related data sources can be applied to the young driver problem, both in determining the magnitude of and the reaons for the problem. Data sources include motor vehicle registration and driver licensing data, National Accident Summary file, routine police accident reports, insurance accident reports, Fatality Analysis File, bi-level investigations, other intermediate levels, and in-depth investigations. Gross accident data indicate that young drivers are overrepresented in all severities of accidents, but it is found that more accidents involving young drivers are reported than those involving older drivers. The data do not indicate, however, why young drivers are more involved or have different characteristics than in older driver accidents. Recommendations are made for further research in the field.