Which policy is highly effective in reducing teen crashes?

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Phased licensing reduces teen crashes by limiting exposure to high-risk driving situations during the period when new drivers are least experienced. Beginners start with supervised practice, then move to a provisional license with restrictions like nighttime driving limits and fewer passengers, before earning full privileges. This staged approach gives teens time to build skills, learn to manage distractions, and develop safe driving habits in lower-risk settings. Since most teen crashes occur just after licensure and often involve peers or late-night driving, reducing these opportunities lowers both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of outcomes. Studies consistently show lower teen crash rates where graduated licensing is in place, with benefits growing as experience accumulates. Other policies, such as helmet requirements or curfews, can improve safety in specific scenarios but don’t address the core issue of inexperience and risky driving contexts. Stricter penalties for minor violations deter some behavior but don’t meaningfully reduce crash risk during the learning period.