New Factsheets Provide Tips for Young Drivers

Contact: Christina Spring (202) 245-0633

A new set of factsheets is now available to help young drivers stay safe on the job. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released today two new factsheets, one for employers and another one for parents and young workers that provide recommendations on how to prevent motor vehicle crashes on the job. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related fatalities among young people (ages 16-24) in the United States. It is important that parents, employers and drivers understand the risks that can lead to crashes among young drivers and learn how they can help prevent motor vehicle crashes among young workers.

“Young people are the future of our workforce and bring fresh ideas and energy into the workplace, however their lack of experience may also place them at higher risk of workplace injuries,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “Resources, like these factsheets, are important in helping everyone understand how we can make the workplace safe, while embracing these new workers.”

These new fact sheets, available on the NIOSH website, outline the risk factors that place young drivers at greater risk of motor vehicle crashes, present case reports and provide learning points and recommendations for young drivers, parents, and employers on how to stay safe on the job. Information on federal and state laws, as well as additional resources, is also provided.

To download copies of the factsheets, go to http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-152/ and http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-153/. The factsheets were developed by the NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety, which coordinates research and prevention activities related to motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of work-related fatalities among U.S. workers. For more information on the Center for Motor Vehicle Safety, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/motorvehicle/NCMVS.html.

NIOSH is the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. For more information about our work visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/.