Parental Supervision of Teen Drivers: Can Driver Educators Help Parents Too? Robert Foss Arthur Goodwin University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center ADTSEA 2003 Charlotte, NC July 29, 2003
Leading Cause of Death United States, Ages %
The Problem (with young drivers): Inexperience Immaturity Risky behaviors Impulsiveness Bad judgment
The Latest Policy Approach: Graduated Driver Licensing Provide substantial driving experience Ensure experience obtained in low-risk situations (Parents!) Provide motivation for responsible driving behavior
North Carolina GDL System GDL Level 1:Must be supervised 12 months no minimum # of hours GDL Level 2:Limit on night driving 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. 6 months < 1 teen passenger (12/02) GDL Level 3:No restrictions
Effect of GDL in North Carolina
GDL & Parents Project Are parents ready for the responsibility? What are parents doing as supervisors? How can we help parents? To feel more confident To be most effective
Focus Groups Parents uncertain what to do Follow same approach as their parents Surprised at their teen’s lack of knowledge Communication difficulties Parents need help!
Interventions with Parents February - July, 2002 Recruited 1,190 families at DMV offices Assigned to 3 conditions 1) Book 2) Tip Sheets 3) Control Mailed Questionnaires Response rate: 51% - 55%
They’ll drive like you Expect mistakes Don’t overload them Communicate clearly Stay Calm! Tip Sheets First sheet
Tip Sheets Second sheet
Tip Sheets Third sheet
How helpful was the book in working with your teen? N = % 49% 6%
How helpful were the “tip sheets” in working with your teen? N = % 66% 5%
How did you use the book? (Parents) N = 124
Before making trips, did you plan to practice specific skills or situations? N = 651
How much did your teen drive during the past week? N = ~640
How often did you talk after a driving session about how things went? N = 606
Complimented your teen? p <.01
Raised your voice? p <.01
Pointed out possible hazards? p <.01
Do you feel comfortable that your teen has had enough practice doing the following? N = ~635 Permit held
Has helping your teen learn to drive had any of the following effects? N = ~605
Number of Responses to: “Any advice for other parents?” Be Patient Don’t Yell !
Summary Helping parents is challenging Perceptions of teens & parents differ dramatically Teens not ready to drive alone at 5 months Supervisory period is a positive experience
GDL Enforcement Project February, present Recruited families at DMV offices 1) Level 2 2) Level 3 Preliminary results from 303 families with teen now at Level 3
Teen allowed to drive after 9 p.m. during Level 2? Parents: 33% Teens: 36%
How long before teen allowed to drive unsupervised after 9 p.m.?
How long before teen allowed to drive with more than one teen passenger?
Driver Education – Parent Link Opportunity for Driver Ed instructors to help parents: Parents respect professional expertise Can provide direction – what to do encouragement – to do it! Materials – motivation to do it
Increased Risk of Driver Death by Number of Passengers and Driver Age Source: Chen et al., JAMA, 2000.
16 & 17 Year-old Driver Death Rate by Time of Night and Presence of Passengers Source: Chen et al., JAMA, 2000.
Traffic Convictions by License Level North Carolina, Note. Excludes those who turn 18 before completing level 12 mo.6 mo mo mo.