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329 A randomised trial to improve novice driving
Abstract   Open access   Peer reviewed

329 A randomised trial to improve novice driving

Corinne Peek-Asa, Cara Hamann, Michelle Reyes and Dan McGehee
Injury prevention, Vol.22(Suppl 2), pp.A120-A121
09/2016
DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2016-042156.329
url
https://doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2016-042156.329View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

BackgroundMotor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death worldwide, and novice drivers have the highest crash risk. Interventions that integrate parents in motivating safe teen driving are a promising strategy.MethodsA randomised trial tested two intervention strategies: in-vehicle video feedback and a parent-focused communication program called “Steering Teens Safe (STS).” For the in-vehicle video feedback, two small video cameras with GPS recorded driving and driving errors (exceeding a threshold for acceleration/deceleration or lateral movement). A blinking light alerted drivers of an error, and parents received a weekly report card with video clips and a summary. STS trained parents to improve the quality and quantity of parent-teen communication about safe driving. Evaluations have shown both interventions to be effective independently, but no studies have examined parent-teen interaction related to in-vehicle feedback systems. 153 parent-teen dyads were recruited through local high schools and randomised to one of three groups: control; in-vehicle video feedback; and feedback with STS.Preliminary ResultsDuring baseline (4 weeks), groups averaged between 22 and 27 driving errors per week. The STS plus video group reduced their average driving errors to 8 in the first month (a 64% reduction) and to five or less in the second through fourth months (−77%). The video only group had a slight reduction of 27 to 23 (−15%) driving errors in the first month, then reduced to ten or less for months two through four (−63%). The control group did not show any decrease in driving errors. Proportionate hazards models indicate that the STS group had a significantly faster reduction in driving errors, and both intervention groups had significant reductions by the fourth month.ConclusionsIn-vehicle video feedback systems effectively reduce driving errors, and the effectiveness is significantly improved when paired with a parent-focused communication program.

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