Intervention to Improve Driving Practices Among High-Risk Teen Drivers

Intervention to Improve Driving Practices Among High-Risk Teen Drivers

The purpose of this study is to test the effects of an in-vehicle driving feedback technology, with and without parent communication training, on risky driving events, unsafe driving behaviors, and subsequent traffic violations among teens who have recently received a moving traffic violation.

For this study, 240 teen and parent/guardian dyads will be randomized into one of three study groups for six months. Teens will be aged 16-17 who committed a moving-related traffic violation and their parent/legal guardian who is most involved with their driving. Researchers will aim to determine the effects of the intervention on teens' risky driving events, unsafe driving behaviors, and traffic violation recidivism. Additionally, researchers will aim to determine the effects of the intervention on frequency and quality of parent-teen communications about safe driving practices.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 16-17 years at time of violation
• Convicted of a moving violation
• Possess a valid intermediate driver's license issued by the state of Ohio, with proof of car insurance
• Access to a vehicle with an On-board Diagnostics II system port (i.e. cars made after 1996) in which he/she is the primary driver
• Smartphone with Bluetooth capabilities
• At least one legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to drive due to injury, license suspension, or car damage
• Vehicle already has an in-vehicle driving feedback system installed
• Extremely low average weekly drive time (e.g. <1 hour per week)
• Currently enrolled in another driving-related study
• War of the State
• Non-English speaking parent
• Adults unable to consent
• Pregnant women
• Prisoners