Motor vehicle crashes are, by far, the single greatest cause of death among U.S. teens. To address this problem, 32 states have enacted Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems. GDL introduces teens to driving in stages, to provide them with substantial practice under relatively safe conditions. Because driving conditions and their perceived riskiness differ in rural and urban areas, rural legislators often object to provisions of GDL. From 1997 to 1999 16 year-old driver crashes declined dramatically (30%) and the decline was similar in rural and urban areas. In 1999 we conducted telephone interviews with 1,200 parents and teens to assess their experience with and opinions about GDL. A comparison of attitudes toward GDL in general, as well as the main elements, between residents of urban/suburban and rural areas indicates that there are few differences. What small differences there are, among parents, are partly explained by differences in level of education. Whereas 77% of urban/suburban parents highly approve of GDL, 67% in rural areas highly approve (p < .07). There were no significant differences in approval of three key elements between urban/suburban and rural parents. Teens were asked whether they approved of GDL in general and the night driving restriction in particular. Although teens were less approving than parents, they expressed positive opinions about both. There were no urban-rural differences in teen opinions about GDL. Examination of crashes before and after GDL indicates that, if anything, greater crash reductions are achieved in the most rural areas.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Adolescents, Motor Vehicles
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.