The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released a new set of factsheets to help young drivers stay safe on the job: one for employers and another one for parents and young workers.

With motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of work-related fatalities among young people (ages 16-24) in the U.S., NIOSH says that 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 them.

Lack of experience equals higher risk

“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.”

The new fact sheets, which are 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.

About the factsheets

To download copies of the factsheets, go to www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-152/ and 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 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 visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/.