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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Lewis H. Margolis, MD, MPH1, Robert Foss, PhD2, Martha W. Waller, MA3, and Arthur Goodwin, MA2. (1) Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina, Rosenau Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7400, (2) Highway Safety Research Center, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, 730 Airport Road, CB 3430, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3430, (3) Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, School of Public Health, CB# 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7400, (919)966-6648, lew_margolis@unc.edu
In response to the much higher crash risk during the first years of driving, 34 states and the District of Columbia have implemented Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems. Under GDL, new teen drivers progress through two stages that involve restrictions to limit their exposure to high risk driving before attaining a full, unrestricted license. The first stage involves adult supervision of driving at all times. In previous research, parents indicated a need for better understanding of the purpose and content of GDL, assistance in defining and explaining the many elements involved in driving, and insights about communicating with teens in this potentially stressful setting. The objective of this project is to implement and assess the effectiveness of three different strategies to assist parents in their role as supervisors. Counties were randomly assigned to an intervention, controlling for urban/rural environments. Intervention 1: In four counties, we arranged community meetings with parents and teens to convey information. Intervention 2: In three counties, parents were recruited into a guided learning program when teens visited the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a Level I permit. This involved the periodic distribution of "tip" sheets to assist with the supervisory process. Intervention 3: In three counties, instead of the "tip" sheets, parents were provided with a copy of a detailed guidebook and lesson plan for teaching beginning drivers, developed and published by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. Intervention 4: Three counties served as controls. The effects of these interventions on parent and teen experiences with the supervisory phase of GDL will be analyzed and discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Motor Vehicles
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.