The number of drivers between the ages of 16–19 involved in fatal automobile crashes in the United States has plummeted by 55% over the ten year period, 2004-2013.

The report released this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention credits several factors for cutting the number from 5,724 annually to 2,568.

The reasons cited:

– graduated driver licensing programs, which can limit teen driving at night or restrict teenage passengers – safer vehicles – teens waiting until they are older to drive (crash risks are highest for the youngest teen drivers) – teens driving less overall

(Read the details from the CDC)

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