Statistics, Local and National Concerns

Driving and Seatbelt Use

Did you know that in the Nation...

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for youth and represent approximately 40% of all deaths of young people between 15-20 years of age

82% of crashes involving 16 year olds are caused by driver error

Most teen passenger deaths occur when another teen is driving

Lap/Shoulder belts reduce the risk of serious injury or death by 45-50%

Airbags and safety belts reduce the risk of serious injury or death by 55-60%

In New Hampshire...

Between 1995-1997, 76% of teens killed in motor vehicle crashes were not belted.

There were 125 motor vehicle fatalities in New Hampshire in 1997. Three out of five were persons 16-44 years old. Two out of three were not wearing a seat belt.

Seat belt usage has gone up 70% since 1997

Information obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information, go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

Underage Drinking

Alcohol is the #1 drug of choice by NH High School students.

48% of 12th graders report they engaged in binge drinking (5 or more drinks on one occasion) in the last month.

82% of NH adults personally know someone who has had a problem with alcohol and/or drugs.

Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are 4 times as likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21 or later.
Kids who drink are more likely to engage in a broad range of risky behaviors and more likely to die or kill someone else, by accident or on purpose.

New Hampshire is a wonderful state to live, work and raise families. However, New Hampshire communities are not immune to the problems that other communities around the country are facing. Most of us have seen first hand how the problems caused by alcohol and drug use can negatively impact the lives of youth, families and the general safety of a community.

Information obtained from NEW FUTURES, an organization working together to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems in New Hampshire. For more information, go to www.new-futures.org.