Time trends (1960-1975) in age and sex specific mortality and morbidity rates from traffic accidents have shown a greater increase of these rates for the 15-19 year old group particularly in one Canadian province. This province is the one which developed an extensive driving education program at the secondary level, having implemented it to all high schools in 1974.

The data were obtained by analysis of official government publications on the number of traffic victims (deaths and injuries) over several years by province, age, sex and category of road user. Technical reports from agencies yielded the information about driving instruction.

The evidence supports the contention that extended driving instruction in high schools has failed to reduce mortality and morbidity of the 15-19 year old particularly in Saskatchewan.

Besides this factor, other independant factors are discussed that could partly explain this observation. Considering the cost in Canada of the public driving education programs it would be well advised to plan an evaluation study.