Minimizing Impairment-related Youth Traffic Deaths

Abstract

This article considers strategies to minimize impairment-related deaths among young people in Canada. The authors stress that, despite the progress made between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s, traffic crashes remain the single largest cause of death among 15-24 year-old Canadians. Many of these deaths (approximately 45%) are alcohol-related. While young people are significantly overrepresented in impairment-related deaths as drivers, their overrepresentation is even greater as passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of recreational vehicles. The authors maintain that these crashes are not simply a function of young people's immaturity and lack of driving experience, they also reflect young people's hazardous patterns of alcohol and drug use. Canadian provinces have extensive legislative authority over driver and vehicle licensing, traffic enforcement, liquor licensing, and off-premise alcohol sales. Consequently, the provinces are well positioned to protect Canadian youth from such preventable harm. The authors conclude by calling for the provinces to adopt a broad approach, including a comprehensive graduated licensing program, a zero blood-alcohol restriction on drivers under 21, enhanced police powers, and more rigorous enforcement of the existing licensing legislation.