Encouraging compliance with graduated driver licensing restrictions

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Traffic Safety Research
• Adolescent Behavior

Background:

• Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs have been effective in reducing crash rates among young drivers.
• Non-compliance with GDL restrictions, such as nighttime driving and passenger limits, remains a concern for 16- and 17-year-old drivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a program designed to increase compliance with GDL restrictions and seat belt use among young drivers.
• To assess the impact of enhanced enforcement and publicity on teen driver behavior.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a compliance program in Guilford County, North Carolina, combining increased enforcement with a publicity campaign.
• Utilized a comparison community to isolate the program's effects over time.
• Collected self-reported data and conducted direct observations of young drivers.

Main Results:

• Increased enforcement and perceived increase in enforcement among teenagers were observed in the intervention community.
• The program resulted in only modest changes in self-reported and observed compliance with GDL restrictions.
• Despite modest behavioral changes, the study confirmed changes in enforcement perception.

Conclusions:

• The implemented mechanisms for behavior change were insufficient to alter the behavior of non-compliant teenagers and parents.
• High-visibility enforcement programs show promise for improving GDL compliance and warrant further evaluation in other communities.
• Targeted interventions may be necessary for the minority of young drivers who consistently disregard GDL provisions.