New teen drivers and their parents: what they know and what they expect

Am J Health Behav. 2004 Sep-Oct;28(5):387-96. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.28.5.1.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess teens' and parents' knowledge of teen driver safety and to compare teens' and parents' expectations about learning to drive and acquiring a driver's license.

Methods: A convenience sample of 613 Connecticut teens enrolled in commercial driving schools and one of their parents completed self-administered surveys.

Results: Significant differences between teens and parent expectations were noted in practice driving with a parent, driving to approved destinations, unlimited vehicle access, curfew, and teen passenger limits.

Conclusions: The discrepancy between teens' and parents' expectations indicates the need to persuade and empower parents to manage their teen's driving experience more rigorously.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / prevention & control
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude*
  • Automobile Driving / psychology*
  • Cognition*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Licensure
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Safety
  • Surveys and Questionnaires