Report: Teen driving deaths increase in 2012

Deaths among new drivers in the beginning of 2012 increased 19 percent, according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Overall, 16- and 17-year-old driver deaths increased from 202 to 240.

The report is based on preliminary data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the first six months of 2012.

This report follows a 2012 report that found the first increase in teen-driver deaths in more than eight years.

Specifically, deaths of 16-year-old drivers increased from 86 to 107, a 24 percent change, and 17-year-old drivers went from 116 to 133, a 15 percent change. A full state-by-state breakdown is included in the report, showing 25 states that reported increases. Indiana saw the biggest increase, up 13 deaths, and Tennessee was second with an increase of 10 deaths.

Allan Williams, a researcher who served as chief scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, conducted the study.

Williams attributes the increase to state graduated driver licensing laws leveling off. These laws implement steps in gaining driving experiences before issuing a full-privilege driver's license. He also said the improved economy could be increasing teens’ exposure to time behind the wheel.

“We are still at a much better place than we were 10 or even five years earlier,” Williams said.

By Angie Fisher