Teenage drivers and traumatic brain injury

The Insurance Journal has a cites a recent report by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Company that thirty percent of teens involved in serious car crashes suffer head injuries, including concussion, skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

The study looked at crashes among more than 55,000 teen drivers and their passengers who were seriously injured each year in 2009 and 2010.

The study authors said that programs focused on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and increasing seat belt use are proven effective strategies.

The authors recommend that  states utilize evidence-based programs aimed at increasing belt use, reducing distractions, and teaching key driving skills, such as speed control and hazard detection, in keeping teens safe on the road.