Driving or riding in a motor vehicle is THE MOST dangerous activity a teen can do. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among teens ages 15-19 in the United States. They represent 41.4 percent of all deaths in that age group. In Iowa, teens (ages 14-19) have a higher fatality rate in motor vehicle crashes than any other age group.

Saving the lives of Iowa’s teen drivers requires a comprehensive approach involving parents/guardians, teens, driver educators, enforcement, a comprehensive driver’s licensing program, health care providers, and driver safety laws. The departments of Transportation and Public Safety are asking the legislature to consider two policy measures to help reduce crashes, injuries and deaths involving teen drivers and their passengers.