Arlene, how many teenagers are involved in fatal crashes each year?
[Dr. Greenspan] In 2008, more than 1400 16 and 17 year old teens were involved in fatal crashes. Thats more than any other age group. [Dr. Gaynes] Is the number of deaths increasing or decreasing? [Dr. Greenspan] Thankfully, the number of fatal crashes that teen drivers are involved with has been decreasing. Since 2004, teen driver-related fatal crashes have decreased 36 percent. [Dr. Gaynes] Arlene, to what do you attribute the large decline in recent years? [Dr. Greenspan] Most experts agree that graduated driver licensing programs have contributed to this large decline. These programs allow teens to gain driving experience under low-risk conditions, such as limiting driving at night and with teen passengers. [Dr. Gaynes] How many states have graduated drivers licensing programs? [Dr. Greenspan] Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia have graduated driver licensing programs. However, states vary greatly in the comprehensiveness of their programs. [Dr. Gaynes] Well, what ca
