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Hussain Q, Alhajyaseen WKM. Driving against the clock: Investigating the impacts of time pressure on taxi and non-professional drivers' safety and compliance. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2025; 210:107864. [PMID: 39608268 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2024.107864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2024] [Revised: 11/13/2024] [Accepted: 11/20/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024]
Abstract
Drivers often encounter time pressure, which can lead to riskier driving habits, decreased safety margins, and a higher chance of accidents. Given that taxi drivers frequently experience these conditions, this study examines how time pressure impacts the driving behaviors of both taxi and non-professional drivers. In this regard, a driving simulator experiment was carried out to assess the driving behaviors of both groups under time pressure. The simulation drive included different scenarios such as a stop sign, a pedestrian crosswalk, four intersections, a school zone, a slow bus and a drop-off location. The study recruited 55 taxi drivers and 55 non-professional drivers to take part in the experiment. Each participant completed the simulation drive twice, with the second drive conducted after they were informed that a reward would be given for finishing the trip more quickly. The findings reveal that drivers exhibited significantly riskier behaviors under time pressure, including higher speeds and reduced adherence to traffic rules. When comparing both groups, non-professional drivers displayed higher speeds and riskier behaviors across various scenarios, whereas taxi drivers were more likely to commit violations associated with drop-offs. These findings call for targeted awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement to reduce risky behaviors under time pressure. Flexible scheduling for non-professional drivers and incentive programs for taxi drivers can further promote safer practices. Policymakers can use these insights to design strategies that address the risks associated with time pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinaat Hussain
- College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Rodwell D. An exploratory study of parent acceptance of sanctions for driving offenses committed by their children. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2024; 25:345-353. [PMID: 38324628 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2023.2296861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems are effective at reducing young driver crashes but rely on active parental involvement. However, some parents may accept sanctions (e.g., demerit points, monetary fines) for traffic offenses committed by their children, leading to experiences of punishment avoidance by young drivers. This aim of this exploratory study was to investigate several demographic and psychosocial influences that could possibly be associated with parent acceptance of sanctions. METHOD An online survey was completed by parents of young drivers (N = 149, M = 48.88 years, SD = 4.76 years; female = 86%) from 3 Australian states. The survey included measures of sociodemographic characteristics and driving history (e.g., crash involvement), socioeconomic status, parenting style, knowledge of their child's driving behavior, perceptions of their ability to manage their child's driving, attitudes toward GDL, and previous or potential acceptance of demerit points or payment of fines for road offenses committed by their child. RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of parents had accepted or would accept a sanction on behalf of their child. Number of children overall, number of children licensed, and household income were associated with parent acceptance of a sanction. Parenting style, attitude toward GDL restrictions, parent confidence in their knowledge of GDL restrictions and ability to manage their child's driving, and belief that their child would follow rules were not associated with (non)acceptance of a sanction. CONCLUSIONS These exploratory findings suggest that family size and income may be important influences on parent acceptance of sanctions on behalf of their offending children. The findings related to the psychosocial variables are discussed considering other research and the limitations of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rodwell
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety-Queensland (CARRS-Q), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
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Foss RD, Smith RL, O'Brien NP. School start times and teenage driver motor vehicle crashes. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2019; 126:54-63. [PMID: 29706226 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Shifting school start times to 8:30 am or later has been found to improve academic performance and reduce behavior problems. Limited research suggests this may also reduce adolescent driver motor vehicle crashes. A change in the school start time from 7:30 am to 8:45 am for all public high schools in one North Carolina county presented the opportunity to address this question with greater methodologic rigor. METHOD We conducted ARIMA interrupted time-series analyses to examine motor vehicle crash rates of high school age drivers in the intervention county and 3 similar comparison counties with comparable urban-rural population distribution. To focus on crashes most likely to be affected, we limited analysis to crashes involving 16- & 17-year-old drivers occurring on days when school was in session. RESULTS In the intervention county, there was a 14% downward shift in the time-series following the 75 min delay in school start times (p = .076). There was no change approaching statistical significance in any of the other three counties. Further analysis indicated marked, statistically significant shifts in hourly crash rates in the intervention county, reflecting effects of the change in school start time on young driver exposure. Crashes from 7 to 7:59 am decreased sharply (-25%, p = .008), but increased similarly from 8 to 8:59 am (21%, p = .004). Crashes from 2 to 2:59 pm declined dramatically (-48%, p = .000), then increased to a lesser degree from 3 to 3:59 pm (32%, p = .024) and non-significantly from 4 to 4:59 (19%, p = .102). There was no meaningful change in early morning or nighttime crashes, when drowsiness-induced crashes might have been expected to be most common. DISCUSSION The small decrease in crashes among high school age drivers following the shift in school start time is consistent with the findings of other studies of teen driver crashes and school start times. All these studies, including the present one, have limitations, but the similar findings suggest that crashes and school start times are indeed related, with earlier start times equating to more crashes. CONCLUSION Later high school start times (>8:30 am) appear to be associated with lower adolescent driver crash rates, but additional research is needed to confirm this and to identify the mechanism by which this occurs (reduced drowsiness or reduced exposure).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Foss
- Highway Safety Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States.
| | - Richard L Smith
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Natalie P O'Brien
- Highway Safety Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
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Bates L, Scott-Parker B, Darvell M, Watson B. Provisional drivers' perceptions of the impact of displaying P plates. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2017; 18:820-825. [PMID: 28453311 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1322697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE P plates (or decals) identify a driver's license status to other road users. They are a compulsory part of the graduated driver licensing system in Queensland, Australia, for drivers on a P1 (provisional 1) or P2 (provisional 2) license. This study explored the perceptions of young drivers regarding the display of P plates (decals) in Queensland, Australia. METHODS In this study, 226 young drivers with a provisional (intermediate/restricted) license completed a 30-min online survey between October 2013 and June 2014. t Tests were used to compare the opinions of people who displayed their plates nearly always with those who displayed them less frequently. RESULTS Participants approved of the requirement to display P plates with 69% of those on a P1 license and 79% on a P2 license supporting the condition to display P1 (red) plates. Participants on a P1 license (62%) and a P2 license (68%) also approved the requirement to display P2 (green) plates. However, young drivers also perceived that the display of P plates (measured from 1 = never to 5 = nearly all the time) enabled newly licensed drivers to be targeted by police and other drivers (those who do not always display P plates: M = 3.72, SD = 0.94; those who nearly always display P plates: M = 3.43, SD = 1.09). CONCLUSIONS The study findings suggest that participants who nearly always display their P plates are more likely to report that having to display their plates resulted in them driving more carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndel Bates
- a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Griffith Criminology Institute , Griffith University , Brisbane , Australia
- b Queensland University of Technology, Centre of Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland (CARRS-Q) , Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Bridie Scott-Parker
- c Adolescent Risk Research Unit (ARRU), Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience-Thompson Institute , University of the Sunshine Coast , Queensland , Australia
- d School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Business, and Law , University of the Sunshine Coast , Queensland , Australia
- e Sustainability Research Centre, Faculty of Arts and Business , University of the Sunshine Coast , Queensland , Australia
| | - Millie Darvell
- b Queensland University of Technology, Centre of Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland (CARRS-Q) , Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Barry Watson
- b Queensland University of Technology, Centre of Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland (CARRS-Q) , Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation , Brisbane , Australia
- f Global Road Safety Partnership , Geneva , Switzerland
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DePesa C, Raybould T, Hurwitz S, Lee J, Gervasini A, Velmahos GC, Masiakos PT, Kaafarani HMA. The impact of the 2007 graduated driver licensing law in Massachusetts on the rate of citations and licensing in teenage drivers. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2017; 61:199-204. [PMID: 28454865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We recently demonstrated that the 2007 Massachusetts Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) law decreased the rate of motor vehicle crashes in teenage drivers. To better understand this decrease, we sought to examine the law's impact on the issuance of driving licenses and traffic citations to teenage drivers. METHODS Citation and license data were obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Census data were obtained from the Census Data Center. Two study periods were defined: pre-GDL (2002-2006) and post-GDL (2007-2012). Two populations were defined: the study population (aged 16-17) and the control population (aged 25-29). The rates of licenses per population were compared pre- vs. post-GDL for the study group. The numbers of total, state, and local citations per population were compared pre- vs. post-GDL for both populations. A sensitivity analysis was performed for the rates of citations using licenses issued as a denominator. RESULTS While licenses per population obtained by the study group decreased over the entire period, there was no change in the rate of decrease per year pre- vs. post-GDL (2.0% vs. 1.4%; p=0.6392). In the study population, total, state, and local citations decreased post-GDL (17.8% vs. 8.1%, p<0.0001; 3.7% vs. 2.2%, p<0.0001; 14.1% vs. 5.8%, p<0.0001, respectively). In the control group, total and state citations did not change (26.7% vs. 23.9%, p=0.3606; 9.2% vs. 10.2%, p=0.3404, respectively), and local citations decreased (17.5% vs. 13.7%, p=0.0389). The rates of decrease per year for total, state, and local citations were significantly greater in the study population compared with control (p<0.0001, p=0.0002, p<0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The 2007 GDL law in Massachusetts was associated with fewer traffic citations without a change in the rate of licenses issued to teenagers. These findings suggest that 2007 GDL may be improving driving habits as opposed to motivating teenagers to delay the issuing of licenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher DePesa
- The Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114; Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Toby Raybould
- The Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114; Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | | | - Jarone Lee
- The Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114; Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital; Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Alice Gervasini
- The Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114; Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115
| | - George C Velmahos
- The Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114; Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Peter T Masiakos
- The Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Haytham M A Kaafarani
- The Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114; Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115.
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Curry AE. Estimating young novice drivers' compliance with graduated driver licensing restrictions: A novel approach. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2017; 18:35-40. [PMID: 27064815 PMCID: PMC5237583 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2016.1171857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current methods of estimating compliance with graduated driver licensing (GDL) restrictions among young drivers with intermediate driver's licenses-which include surveys, direct observations, and naturalistic studies-cannot sufficiently answer many critical foundational questions: What is the extent of noncompliance among the population of young intermediate drivers? How does compliance change over the course of licensure? How does compliance differ by driver subgroup and in certain driving environments? This article proposes an alternative and complementary approach to estimating population-level compliance with GDL nighttime and passenger restrictions via application of the quasi-induced exposure (QIE) method. METHODS The article summarizes the main limitations of previous methods employed to estimate compliance. It then introduces the proposed method of borrowing the fundamental assumption of the QIE method-that young intermediate drivers who are nonresponsible in clean (i.e., one and only one responsible driver) multivehicle crashes are reasonably representative of young intermediate drivers on the road-to estimate population-based compliance. I describe formative work that has been done to ensure this method can be validly applied among young intermediate drivers and provide a practical application of this method: an estimate of compliance with New Jersey's passenger restrictions among 8,006 nonresponsible 17- to 20-year-old intermediate drivers involved in clean 2-vehicle crashes from July 2010 through June 2012. RESULTS Over the study period, an estimated 8.4% (95% confidence interval, 7.8%, 9.0%) of intermediate drivers' trips were not in compliance with New Jersey's GDL passenger restriction. These findings were remarkably similar to previous estimates from more resource-intensive naturalistic studies (Goodwin et al. 2006 ; Klauer et al. 2011 ). CONCLUSION Studies can practically apply proposed methods to estimate population-level compliance with GDL passenger and night restrictions; examine how compliance varies by relevant driver, vehicle, and environmental factors; and evaluate the implementation of a GDL provision or other intervention aimed at increasing compliance with these restrictions. Important considerations and potential limitations and challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E. Curry
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3535 Market Street, Suite 1150, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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Curry AE, Pfeiffer MR, Elliott MR. Compliance With and Enforcement of Graduated Driver Licensing Restrictions. Am J Prev Med 2017; 52:47-54. [PMID: 27746012 PMCID: PMC5167653 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is the most effective strategy to reduce the burden of young driver crashes, but the extent to which young intermediate (newly licensed) drivers comply with, and police enforce, important GDL passenger and night-time restrictions is largely unknown. Population-level rates of intermediate drivers' compliance were estimated as well as police enforcement among crash-involved drivers who were noncompliant. METHODS New Jersey's statewide driver licensing and crash databases were individually linked. The quasi-induced exposure method's fundamental assumption-that nonresponsible young intermediate drivers in clean (i.e., only one responsible driver) multivehicle crashes are reasonably representative of young intermediate drivers on the road-was borrowed. Incidence was then estimated among the 9,250 nonresponsible intermediate drivers who were involved in clean multivehicle crashes from July 2010 through June 2012. The proportion of crash-involved noncompliant intermediate drivers who were issued a GDL citation, by crash responsibility, was calculated. Data were collected in 2013 and analyzed in 2015. RESULTS Overall, 8.3% (95% CI=7.8%, 8.9%) of intermediate drivers' trips were noncompliant with New Jersey's passenger restriction and 3.1% (95% CI=2.8%, 3.5%) with its night-time restriction; compliance was significantly lower among those residing in low-income and urban areas, among male drivers, on weekends, and in summer months. The proportion of crash-involved noncompliant intermediate drivers who were issued a GDL citation was low (nonresponsible drivers, 10.3%; responsible drivers, 19.0%). CONCLUSIONS The vast majority of intermediate driver trips are in compliance with GDL restrictions. Outreach activities should consider focusing on higher-risk situations and groups with higher noncompliance rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Curry
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Melissa R Pfeiffer
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael R Elliott
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Survey Methodology Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Masten SV, Chapman EA, Atkinson DB, Browning KK. Non-compliance with graduated driver licensing (GDL) requirements: changes in GDL-related conviction rates over time among 16-17-year-old California drivers. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2014; 72:230-243. [PMID: 25086441 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-reports by novice teen drivers in California and elsewhere suggest that many violate graduated driver licensing (GDL) nighttime and passenger restrictions, and to a lesser extent, drive on learner permits without being supervised. Is this corroborated by their traffic conviction records? METHOD We examined historical aggregated conviction rates for GDL-related violations before and after GDL, and Poisson regressions of conviction rates over time among 16-17-year-old California novices. RESULTS During the year before they received their provisional licenses, <1% of 16-year-old novices and <2% of 17-year-old novices were convicted of driving unlicensed or unsupervised on their learner permits. Statewide historical conviction rates for these offenses were not higher after GDL was implemented, despite the longer holding period. Convictions for violating GDL nighttime or passenger restrictions were highest almost immediately after provisional licensure, though only about 3% of 16-year-old novices and 2% of 17-year-old novices were ever convicted of violating either restriction. DISCUSSION California 16-17-year-old novice drivers were very rarely convicted of GDL-related violations. The contradictive, large differences between the current findings and self-report surveys are likely due in part to the fact that most self-reports assessed only whether teens had ever violated a GDL-related requirement, which exaggerates prevalence. Our conviction findings are more similar to estimates of non-compliance with GDL-related requirements from naturalistic driving studies that monitor actual driving behavior and take exposure into account, but are lower likely due to issues related to detection, enforcement, and adjudication of violations, as well as limitations of existing naturalistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott V Masten
- California Department of Motor Vehicles, Research and Development Branch, 2570 24th Street, MS H-126, Sacramento, CA 95818-2606, USA.
| | - Eric A Chapman
- California Department of Motor Vehicles, Research and Development Branch, 2570 24th Street, MS H-126, Sacramento, CA 95818-2606, USA
| | - Debra B Atkinson
- California Department of Motor Vehicles, Research and Development Branch, 2570 24th Street, MS H-126, Sacramento, CA 95818-2606, USA
| | - Kelly K Browning
- Impact Teen Drivers, P.O. Box 1611209, Sacramento, CA 95816-1209 USA
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Bates LJ, Allen S, Armstrong K, Watson B, King MJ, Davey J. Graduated Driver Licensing: An international review. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2014; 14:e432-e441. [PMID: 25364543 PMCID: PMC4205052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Graduated driver licensing (GDL) aims to gradually increase the exposure of new drivers to more complex driving situations and typically consists of learner, provisional and open licence phases. The first phase, the learner licence, is designed to allow novice drivers to obtain practical driving experience in lower risk situations. The learner licence can delay licensure, encourage novice drivers to learn under supervision, mandate the number of hours of practice required to progress to the next phase and encourage parental involvement. The second phase, the provisional licence, establishes various driving restrictions and thereby reduces exposure to situations of higher risk, such as driving at night, with passengers or after drinking alcohol. Parental involvement with a GDL system appears essential in helping novices obtain sufficient practice and in enforcing compliance with restrictions once the new driver obtains a provisional licence. Given the significant number of young drivers involved in crashes within Oman, GDL is one countermeasure that may be beneficial in reducing crash risk and involvement for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndel J. Bates
- School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety, School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Siobhan Allen
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety, School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kerry Armstrong
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety, School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Barry Watson
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety, School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark J. King
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety, School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeremy Davey
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety, School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Masten SV, Foss RD, Marshall SW. Graduated driver licensing program component calibrations and their association with fatal crash involvement. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2013; 57:105-113. [PMID: 23672925 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs are specialized licensing systems for beginner drivers adopted in all U.S. states, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. GDL programs reduce novice drivers' exposure to high-risk driving situations while they gain driving experience. Several studies document the success of GDL programs overall in reducing young teen crash rates. However, little is known about which specific components of these programs (e.g., nighttime driving restrictions) and which calibrations of these components (e.g., 10 PM, 11 PM, 12 AM, or 1 AM), are associated with the largest crash reductions. The goal of this study was to identify the GDL component calibrations associated with the largest reductions in fatal crash involvements for 16-17-year-olds. Driver fatal crash involvements for all U.S. states from 1986 to 2007 were analyzed using Poisson regression models to estimate the association of various GDL component calibrations with 16- and 17-year-old driver fatal crash incidence, after adjusting for potential confounders. We found clear evidence that (a) a minimum learner permit holding period of 9-12 months and (b) a passenger restriction allowing only one teen passenger for 6 months or longer are the calibrations for the learner permit holding period and passenger restriction components associated with the largest reductions in 16-17-year-old driver fatal crash involvements. Additionally, the data suggest that (a) disallowing learner driving until age 16, (b) disallowing intermediate licensure until age 16½ to 17, and (c) a nighttime driving restriction starting at 10 PM or earlier are the calibrations for these components associated with the largest reductions in 16-year-old driver fatal crashes. There was no clear evidence to support particular calibrations for supervised driving hours or unrestricted license ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott V Masten
- California Department of Motor Vehicles, Research and Development Branch, 2570 24th Street, MS H-126, Sacramento, CA 95818-2606, USA.
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Carpenter D, Pressley JC. Graduated driver license nighttime compliance in U.S. teen drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2013; 56:110-117. [PMID: 23647699 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Examination of teen driver compliance with graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws could be instrumental in identifying factors associated with persistently high motor vehicle mortality rates. METHODS Fatality analysis reporting system (FARS) data from the years 2006 to 2009 were used in this nation-wide cross-sectional study of drivers covered by a state nighttime GDL law (n=3492). A new definition of weekend, based on the school night in relation to the teenage social landscape, redefined Friday night as a weekend night and Sunday night as a weekday/school night and compared it to previous weekend definitions. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine independent effects of demographic, behavioral, environmental, contextual, and other factors on compliance with nighttime GDL laws. All analyses were performed in Stata version 11. RESULTS Given coverage under nighttime GDL laws, drivers aged 15-17 years were non-compliant in 14.9% of the fatal MVCs in which they were involved, and nearly one-fifth (18.8%) of all fatalities aged 15-17 years were associated with non-compliance. Mortality risk was 10% higher using a revised social (school night) versus traditional (Sat-Sun) weekend definitions. In multivariable analysis, drivers non-compliant with nighttime GDL laws were more likely to be drinking (OR=4.97, 3.85-6.40), unbelted (OR=1.58, 1.25-1.99), driving on the weekend (OR=1.82, 1.47-2.24), and killed (OR=1.31, 1.04-1.65). CONCLUSION GDL non-compliance contributes to teen motor vehicle mortality. Legislative and enforcement efforts targeting non-school night driving, seatbelt nonuse and alcohol have potential to further reduce teen driving mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Carpenter
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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McCartt AT. Rounding the next curve on the road toward reducing teen drivers' crash risk. J Adolesc Health 2013; 53:3-5. [PMID: 23791441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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McCartt AT, Oesch NJ, Williams AF, Powell TC. New Jersey's license plate decal requirement for graduated driver licenses: attitudes of parents and teenagers, observed decal use, and citations for teenage driving violations. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2013; 14:244-258. [PMID: 23441942 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2012.701786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES On May 1, 2010, New Jersey implemented a law requiring teenagers with learner's permits or probationary licenses to display reflective decals on the front and rear license plates when they drive. The current study examined attitudes of parents and teenagers toward this requirement, use of decals, and reported violations and police enforcement of the graduated driver license law. METHOD Statewide telephone surveys of representative samples of parents and teenagers were conducted in February to April 2010 and March to June 2011. Use of decals among probationary license holders was observed at 4 high schools in fall 2010 and in spring 2011 and hand-out surveys were distributed. Data on citations issued for violations of the graduated driver license law were obtained. RESULTS When interviewed in spring 2011, a large majority of parents of probationary license holders, parents of learner's permit holders, and teenagers with probationary licenses disapproved of decals for probationary licenses. About two thirds of both sets of parents and about half of teenagers disapproved of decals for learner's permits. Support for decals for both license types declined significantly from 2010 to 2011. For parents and teenagers alike, opposition was mainly attributed to concern about identifying and/or targeting teenage drivers by other drivers, predators, or police. In 2011, 77 percent of parents of probationary license holders said that their teenagers had decals for the vehicles driven most often; 46 percent said their teenagers always used decals. Fifty-six percent of parents of learner's permit holders said that their teenagers had decals for the vehicles driven most often; 37 percent said that their teenagers always used decals. Teenagers' reported violations of license restrictions either increased or were similar in 2011 compared to 2010. Observed rates of decal use by probationary license holders at high schools in spring 2011 ranged from 24 to 64 percent. The number of statewide citations for teenage licensing law violations doubled in the year after the decal requirement took effect compared to the prior year. Excluding decal violations, citations increased by 52 percent. CONCLUSIONS Early examination of New Jersey's decal requirement found widespread opposition, primarily due to concerns about identifying/targeting teenage drivers, though first-hand reports of such incidents were very rare. Many teenagers do not use the decals. Increased issuance of citations for violations of the teenage licensing law suggests that decals are facilitating police enforcement. However, based on teenagers' self-reports, the requirement does not appear to have achieved the ultimate goal of increased compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne T McCartt
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Arlington, Virginia 22201, USA.
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Goodwin AH, O'Brien NP, Foss RD. Effect of North Carolina's restriction on teenage driver cell phone use two years after implementation. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2012; 48:363-7. [PMID: 22664702 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A majority of states now restrict teenagers from using a mobile communication device while driving. The effect of these restrictions is largely unknown. In a previous study, we found North Carolina's teenage driver cell phone restriction had little influence on young driver behavior four months after the law took effect (Foss et al., 2009). The goal of the present study was to examine the longer-term effect of North Carolina's cell phone restriction. It was expected that compliance with the restriction would increase, as awareness of the restriction grew over time. Teenagers were observed at high schools in North Carolina approximately two years after the law was implemented. Observations were also conducted in South Carolina, which did not have a cell phone restriction. In both states, there was a broad decrease in cell phone use. A logistic regression analysis showed the decrease in cell phone use did not significantly differ between the two states. Although hand-held cell phone use decreased, there was an increase in the likelihood that drivers in North Carolina were observed physically manipulating a phone. Finally, a mail survey of teenagers in North Carolina showed awareness for the cell phone restriction now stands at 78% among licensed teens. Overall, the findings suggest North Carolina's cell phone restriction has had no long-term effect on the behavior of teenage drivers. Moreover, it appears many teenage drivers may be shifting from talking on a phone to texting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur H Goodwin
- University of North Carolina, Highway Safety Research Center, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3430, USA.
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Williams AF, Tefft BC, Grabowski JG. Graduated driver licensing research, 2010-present. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2012; 43:195-203. [PMID: 22974685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This is the latest in a series of reviews of research on graduated driver licensing (GDL) published in the Journal of Safety Research, covering the period January 1, 2010-June 1, 2012 and works in progress. The intent is to keep researchers and policy makers current regarding the existing state of knowledge about GDL, and to identify information gaps and areas where clarification of research findings are needed. The recent research indicates that we continue to learn about ways to extend GDL benefits, but there remain important questions in need of further inquiry. In terms of impact on industry, the review provides guidance for the future GDL research agenda.
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Mirman JH, Albert D, Jacobsohn LS, Winston FK. Factors associated with adolescents' propensity to drive with multiple passengers and to engage in risky driving behaviors. J Adolesc Health 2012; 50:634-40. [PMID: 22626492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.10.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Research shows that parenting factors and individual difference variables, such as sensation seeking (SS) and risk perceptions (RPs), are associated with increased motor vehicle crash risk for young drivers. The presence of peer passengers is also known to be associated with increased crash risk. However, as previous studies did not study these factors concurrently, less is known about the factors that are associated with driving with peer passengers and if peer passengers may mediate the effect of parenting and individual difference variables on adolescents' engagement in risky driving behavior. METHODS We examined predictors of driving with multiple passengers (DWMPs) and explored it as a potential mediator of pathways from three factors: (1) SS, (2) RPs, and (3) Parental monitoring and rule-setting to risky driving behaviors in a convenience sample of 198 adolescent drivers using a cross-sectional Web-based survey. RESULTS Findings indicate that both stronger RPs and perceiving parents as strong monitors and rule setters were associated with less engagement in risky driving, whereas greater SS was associated with more engagement in risky driving; RPs, monitoring, and SS were also significantly associated with DWMPs in these same directions. DWMPs partially mediated the effect of these risk factors on risky driving behavior. CONCLUSIONS Results inform theory and policy by examining factors associated with risk taking in the context of adolescent driving. Interventions can be developed to complement graduated driver licensing laws by targeting individual difference variables and decreasing opportunities for peer passenger carriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Mirman
- The Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Zamani-Alavijeh F, Bazargan M, Shafiei A, Bazargan-Hejazi S. The frequency and predictors of helmet use among Iranian motorcyclists: A quantitative and qualitative study. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2011; 43:1562-1569. [PMID: 21545891 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2011.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines the rate of helmet use and identifies barriers and facilitators of wearing helmets among Iranian motorcyclists. A mixed-method approach was used, including a structured seasonal survey with specific observations of a random sample of 6010 riders and qualitative methods that included 29 in-depth interviews and seven focus groups (n=31). RESULTS Only 10% of motorcyclists wear a standard helmet while riding. However, another 23% of motorcyclists used non-standard or partial helmets that covered only part of the head and do not prevent head trauma injuries effectively. We observed only 2 of 264 child passengers and 22 of 1951 adult passengers wearing helmets. Almost no one used protective pants or clothing made to be more visible in traffic. Themes emerged from qualitative interviews and were grouped into three main categories: (1) helmet characteristics; (2) social and cultural factors; and (3) personal and psychological factors. CONCLUSION Overall, the motorcyclists in our study believed that wearing a safety helmet protects them against serious injuries or death during a crash; however, only a small percentage of the motorcyclists used safety helmets. National intervention programs addressing motorcycle safety should aim to overcome barriers to and promote facilitators of helmet use, including providing inexpensive standard helmets, banning manufacturing/using unsafe partial or dummy helmets, as well as enforcing helmet use on a consistent basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Zamani-Alavijeh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Williams AF, Ali B, Shults RA. The contribution of fatal crashes involving teens transporting teens. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2010; 11:567-572. [PMID: 21128185 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2010.501834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We determined the proportion of all fatal crashes of 16- and 17-year-old drivers that involved the presence of teenage passengers from 2004 to 2008. METHODS Data on fatal crashes of 16- and 17-year-old drivers were derived from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System for the years 2004-2008. RESULTS For both 16- and 17-year-old drivers, in each of the 5 years examined, at least 39 percent of all their fatal crash events involved the presence of 13- to 19-year-old passengers and no one younger or older. For 16- to 17-year-olds combined, the proportion of crashes involving drivers with teen passengers changed little from 2004 (43%) to 2008 (41%), despite the growth in the number of states with passenger restrictions from 23 to 37 during this period. CONCLUSION A high proportion of teen crashes involve the presence of other teens as passengers at the time of the crash. There is a need to find effective ways to reduce these crashes.
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Johnson SB, Jones VC. Adolescent development and risk of injury: using developmental science to improve interventions. Inj Prev 2010; 17:50-4. [PMID: 20876765 DOI: 10.1136/ip.2010.028126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In adolescence, there is a complex interaction among physical, cognitive, and psychosocial developmental processes, culminating in greater risk-taking and novelty-seeking. Concurrently, adolescents face an increasingly demanding environment, which results in heightened vulnerability to injury. In this paper, we provide an overview of developmental considerations for adolescent injury interventions based on developmental science, including findings from behavioural neuroscience and psychology. We examine the role that typical developmental processes play in the way adolescents perceive and respond to risk and how this integrated body of developmental research adds to our understanding of how to do injury prevention with adolescents. We then highlight strategies to improve the translation of developmental research into adolescent injury prevention practice, calling on examples of existing interventions including graduated driver licensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Prato CG, Toledo T, Lotan T, Taubman-Ben-Ari O. Modeling the behavior of novice young drivers during the first year after licensure. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2010; 42:480-486. [PMID: 20159070 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2009.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Revised: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Novice young drivers suffer from increased crash risk that translates into over-representation in road injuries. In order to effectively confront this problem, a better understanding of the driving behavior of novice young drivers and of its determinants is needed. This study analyzes the behavior of novice young drivers within a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Data on driving behavior of 62 novice drivers and their parents, who voluntarily participated in this experiment, were collected using in-vehicle data recorders that calculate compound risk indices as measures of the risk taking behavior of drivers. Data were used to estimate a negative binomial model to identify major determinants that affect the driving behavior of young drivers during the first year after licensure. Estimation results suggest that the risk taking behavior of young drivers is influenced by gender, sensation seeking tendency, driving behavior of their parents, amount of supervised driving and level of parental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giacomo Prato
- Ran Naor Road Safety Research Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion Campus, Haifa 32000, Israel.
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Kim S, Depue L, Spence L, Reine J. Analysis of teenage seat belt use: from the 2007 Missouri high school seat belt survey. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2009; 40:311-316. [PMID: 19778655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2008] [Revised: 05/04/2009] [Accepted: 07/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study analyzed high school teenagers' seat belt use based on the observational surveys of more than 15,000 teenagers at 150 schools and was conducted in the state of Missouri, U.S., in 2007. Since fatal car accidents involving high school teenagers are disproportionately high, and increased seat belt use saves lives in what would otherwise be fatal accidents, it is imperative that teenagers' safety be protected through an increase in use. METHOD This study investigated various personal, vehicle, school, and locational factors associated with high school teenagers' seat belt use. Descriptive and binary logit analyses were conducted. RESULTS We find that low seat belt use is associated with males, African-Americans, pick-up trucks, accompanying occupants, weekends, inclement driving conditions, small size of school, lower socio-economic status, and rural county school locations. Several factors influencing teenage seat belt use are quite similar to those affecting adult seat belt use, in addition to certain risky behaviors to which teenagers are prone, supporting the importance of early intervention. CONCLUSIONS Programs in schools, the adoption of primary seat belt laws, GDL provisions requiring seat belt use, targeted education and campaign efforts for African-American teenagers, seat belt reminder systems, and more resources for rural counties on safety education and enforcement may help increase seat belt use in this vulnerable age group, though other research questions are implied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungyop Kim
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Department of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, 208 Epperson House, 5100 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.
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Foss RD, Goodwin AH, McCartt AT, Hellinga LA. Short-term effects of a teenage driver cell phone restriction. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2009; 41:419-424. [PMID: 19393787 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2008] [Revised: 12/10/2008] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
On December 1, 2006, North Carolina began prohibiting use of any mobile communication device by drivers younger than 18. The current study examined the effects of the law on teenage drivers' cell phone use. Teenage drivers were observed at high schools in North Carolina 1-2 months before and approximately 5 months after the law took effect. The proportion of teenagers using cell phones did not change significantly (11.0% before the law took effect, 11.8% after). Cell phone use among teenage drivers at high schools in South Carolina, an adjacent state without a teenage driver phone ban, was stable at about 13%. Interviews were conducted with parents and teenagers in North Carolina both before and after the law took effect. In post-law interviews, teenagers were more likely than parents to say they knew about the cell phone restriction (64% vs. 39%), but support for the ban was greater among parents (95% vs. 74%). Only 22% of teenagers and 13% of parents believed the law was being enforced fairly often or a lot. Although the proportion of teenagers who reported using phones while driving declined somewhat following the law, about half admitted they used their phones, if they had driven, on the day prior to the interview. Overall, the findings suggest that North Carolina's cell phone restriction had little to no effect on teenage drivers' use of cell phones shortly after the law took effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Foss
- University of North Carolina, Highway Safety Research Center, 730 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Suite 300/CB 3430, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3430, USA.
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Hellinga LA, McCartt AT, Mandavilli S. Temporal patterns of crashes of 16-to 17-year-old drivers in Fairfax County, Virginia. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2007; 8:377-381. [PMID: 17994491 DOI: 10.1080/15389580701354177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a better understanding of the frequency and characteristics of teenage driver crashes occurring during school commute times. METHOD Data were obtained from police reports of crashes involving drivers ages 16-17 that occurred between September 2001 and August 2004 in Fairfax County, Virginia. Temporal patterns and other characteristics of crash involvement during the school year were examined, and crashes during school commute times were compared with those at other times. RESULTS Teenage driver crash involvement spiked during weekday school commute times. Compared with other times, crashes during school commute times were significantly more likely to involve multiple vehicles but less likely to result in injuries or involve drivers who were male, made driving errors, or had been drinking alcohol. Crashes during school commute times were more likely to involve more than one teenage driver and occur close to schools. CONCLUSIONS Crashes involving teenage drivers are prevalent during school commute times. Many of these crashes involve multiple teenage drivers and occur near schools. Schools and communities should consider programs and policies that reduce teenage driving to school and enhance the safety of teenagers that do drive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie A Hellinga
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201, USA.
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Keating DP. Understanding adolescent development: implications for driving safety. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2007; 38:147-57. [PMID: 17478185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2007.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM The implementation of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs has significantly improved the crash and fatality rates of novice teen drivers, but these rates remain unacceptably high. METHOD A review of adolescent development research was undertaken to identify potential areas of improvement. RESULTS Research support for GDL was found to be strong, particularly regarding early acquisition of expertise in driving safety (beyond driving skill), and to limitations that reduce opportunities for distraction. GDL regimes are highly variable, and no US jurisdictions have implemented optimal regimes. SUMMARY Expanding and improving GDL to enhance acquisition of expertise and self-regulation are indicated for implementation and for applied research. Driver training that effectively incorporates safety goals along with driving skill is another target. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY The insurance industry will benefit from further GDL enhancements. Benefits may accrue to improved driver training, improved simulation devices during training, and automated safety feedback instrumentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Keating
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, USA.
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Williams AF, Ferguson SA, McCartt AT. Passenger effects on teenage driving and opportunities for reducing the risks of such travel. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2007; 38:381-90. [PMID: 17884424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2007.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the research evidence concerning the effects of passengers on teenage driving and crash involvement, and to explore ways to reduce negative effects. METHODS Review of the international literature on these topics. RESULTS Passenger presence increases crash risk for teenage drivers, especially when the passengers are other teenagers and especially when they are male. Female passengers do not have the same effects. Teenagers are more susceptible to peer influences than adults. The combination of passenger-induced distraction and driving inexperience can disrupt driving behavior, and there is evidence that teenage driver risk taking increases in vehicles with multiple teenagers. Possible ways to reduce the resulting crash problem include altering the in-vehicle behavior of teenagers or influencing their selection of travel partners. Legal restrictions on passengers with teenage drivers have been found effective in reducing the crash problem. Parental monitoring of teenage driving behavior, and programs aimed at teenagers themselves, could be other options but their efficacy is unproven. It currently is unknown why female passengers have a different effect than males or if that might offer clues about future interventions. CONCLUSIONS Despite passenger restrictions in the majority of states, 42% of 16- and 17-year-old drivers in fatal crashes in 2005 were transporting teenagers with no adults in the vehicle; 61% of teenage passenger deaths (1,222 in 2005) occurred in vehicles driven by other teenagers. Wider application of passenger restrictions is indicated. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY Ways to make passenger restrictions more effective are needed, and other techniques for reducing this major problem need development and testing.
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Williams AF. Contribution of the components of graduated licensing to crash reductions. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2007; 38:177-84. [PMID: 17478188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2007.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM It has been established that graduated licensing systems lead to crash reductions among beginning drivers. What is the contribution of the various components of graduated licensing to these reductions, and how can their effectiveness be increased? METHOD Literature review and synthesis. RESULTS Extended learner periods, nighttime restrictions, and passenger restrictions have contributed to crash reductions. Presently there is insufficient evidence concerning the contribution of seat belt or cell phone provisions, or contingent advancement penalties. DISCUSSION There is more to learn about graduated licensing and its component features. However, there are ways to increase the contribution of all the components through stronger laws and greater compliance. With the right kind of community commitment and focus, substantial further reductions in young driver crashes are achievable. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY The results can guide states in establishing graduated licensing systems that maximize crash reductions.
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Williams AF. Young driver risk factors: successful and unsuccessful approaches for dealing with them and an agenda for the future. Inj Prev 2006; 12 Suppl 1:i4-8. [PMID: 16788111 PMCID: PMC2563437 DOI: 10.1136/ip.2006.011783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The extent to which various interventions to deal with the young driver crash problem have worked are discussed, and promising interventions that should be tried are identified. Traditional forms of driver licensing and driver education have not worked. Graduated licensing reduces the problem and existing laws need to be strengthened. Programs involving parents and police have shown some potential to increase compliance with graduated licensing restrictions. Insurer discount programs also have potential. In other public health areas, comprehensive programs have worked better than those based on single components. There are continuing efforts to develop new driver education and training programs and methods of delivery that can combine with graduated licensing and contribute to reductions in the young driver problem. The most promising intervention strategy is likely to be a coordinated community based program in states with strong graduated licensing laws as a foundation, involving modern education and training techniques, insurance discount programs, and well publicized enforcement and education programs featuring parents and police in combination, with as much input and participation as possible from the target group of young drivers.
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