Who Would Have Ever Guessed?
USA Today reports: “More restrictions on teen drivers result in less accidents.” Ya think?
As each of our three sons approached 16, I told them the only car they would own is one they bought with money they earned themselves. In the meantime, my wife and I shared our cars with them, within very limited boundaries. When they did finally manage to get cars of their own, they were kept busy enough working to keep them paid for, running and gassed up, that they didn’t have much time or money left to get into much trouble.
My primary goal in taking such a hard line was to celebrate their 21st birthdays with each of them. Thankfully, we realized that wish.
Here are the:
| 5 Leading Causes of Death Among Persons Ages 15-24 | 1. Motor vehicle accidents | 33% |
|---|---|
| 2. Homicide | 16% |
| 3. Suicide | 12% |
| 4. Accidental poisoning | 6% |
| 5. Cancer | 5% |
| Total | 72% |
| More detailed information: • Accidents of all kinds: 45.5%, including motor vehicle accidents: 32.6%, and accidental poisoning and exposure to noxious substances: 6.0%. • Disease: 26.4%, including cancer (“neoplasms”): 5.2%, and cardiovascular diseases: 4.3%. • Homicide:16.0%, including homicides with firearms:13.1%. • Suicide: 11.9%, including suicide with firearms: 6.1%. (Source of above statistics: National Vital Statistics Reports, 04/19/06, pp. 34-37) |
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