Washington – More 16- and 17-year-old drivers died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2012 than during the same period in 2011, according to a Governors Highway Safety Association report (.pdf file).

Among the report’s findings, which are based on preliminary data:

• Fatalities among 16-year-olds increased 24 percent to 107.
• Fatalities among 17-year-olds increased 15 percent to 133.
• Fatalities increased the most in Indiana (by 13) and Tennessee (by 10).

GHSA said the increase in fatalities may be due to a partial economic recovery that has led to more teens behind the wheel. The association called for further progress on strengthening Graduated Driver Licensing programs and extending high-quality driver education to younger teens.

Full 2012 fatality data will be available later this year, according to GHSA.