Evaluating teen driving knowledge and behaviors following educational outreach

Monroe, Kathy; Nichols, Michele; Crew, Marie; Brown, Leslie; King, William D. · 2020 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1186/s40621-020-00255-0

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Summary

This study evaluates changes in self-reported driving knowledge and behaviors among high school students in Alabama over a nine-year period, comparing data from 2009 to 2018. Motivated by Alabama’s high teen driving fatality rates and the leading cause of death for teens being motor vehicle crashes, the researchers aimed to assess the impact of educational outreach and Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws on risky behaviors such as seatbelt non-use, texting while driving, and driving under the influence. The study employed a prospective observational design using anonymous paper surveys distributed to students aged 14–19. In 2009, surveys were administered to 1,304 students across nine schools in central Alabama prior to a teen driving educational event. In 2018, 397 students from four schools scattered across the state completed similar surveys before attending educational events. The questionnaire, adapted from the CDC’s National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, assessed awareness of GDL laws, frequency of risky behaviors, and parental discussions regarding driving safety. Statistical comparisons between the two cohorts were conducted using the z-test of proportions with a significance level of 0.05. Results indicated significant improvements in several safety behaviors between 2009 and 2018. The proportion of students reporting they “always” wear seatbelts increased from 39% to 69% (p < 0.001). Similarly, the percentage of students who reported “never” texting while driving rose from 33% to 78% (p < 0.001), and those who reported “never” driving after drinking alcohol increased from 88% to 97% (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were found regarding the prevalence of students who had taken driving education classes or those who routinely drove 5–10 miles over the speed limit, with 55% of 2018 participants still reporting speeding. Additionally, only 63% of 2018 participants had taken a driving class, and only 26% correctly identified the GDL curfew hour. The findings suggest that educational outreach and legislative measures have contributed to improved seatbelt use and reduced texting and drinking while driving among Alabama teens. Despite these positive trends, the authors conclude that rates of high-risk behaviors remain concerning, particularly regarding inconsistent seatbelt use and speeding. The study highlights the need for continued, innovative behavioral interventions and emphasizes that legislation alone is insufficient to ensure teen driving safety. The authors note limitations including potential responder bias, recall bias, and the lack of generalizability beyond Alabama, but affirm the value of local surveillance in guiding targeted safety efforts.

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Topics

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• seat belt use
• passenger effects
• driver education effectiveness
• parental management

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence