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A Caregiver Survey of Driving Readiness in Teens Born Extremely Preterm
Rebecca J McAdams1, Jessica Quach2, Dominique M Rose1
1Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
Insights
Teens born extremely preterm face driving readiness challenges. Caregiver surveys reveal common delays in obtaining driver's licenses and concerns about maturity and navigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Teens born extremely preterm (gestational age <28 weeks) have higher risks of cognitive and physical disabilities.
- These disabilities can impact their ability to learn to drive safely.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore caregiver perceptions of driving readiness in teens born extremely preterm.
- To assess driving progress, barriers, and caregiver involvement in this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of caregivers of teens (14-18 years) born extremely preterm in Ohio.
- Assessed teen interest, progress, reasons for delays, and caregiver support in learning to drive.
Main Results:
- Most teens (87%) had neurodevelopmental or medical disorders.
- Low rates of permit (30%) and license (7%) acquisition among eligible teens.
- Driving delays were associated with neurological disorders and caregiver concerns about maturity and getting lost.
Conclusions:
- Delays in driving license progression are common for teens born extremely preterm.
- Caregiver concerns and involvement play a role in driving readiness.
- Further research is needed to improve driving readiness in this vulnerable group.
Introduction:
Teens born extremely preterm (defined as a gestational age of <28 weeks) are at a higher risk of cognitive and physical disabilities, potentially affecting their ability to learn to drive safely. This exploratory study surveyed caregivers to obtain their perceptions of driving readiness in teens born extremely preterm.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of caregivers of teens (aged 14-18 years) residing in Ohio who were born extremely preterm was conducted to assess teen interest and progress in obtaining a driver's license, reasons for their lack of progress, and caregiver involvement in helping their teen to learn to drive.
Results:
The sample included 60 caregivers of teens distributed across 4 age groups based on license eligibility. Most teens (87%) had a history of a neurodevelopmental or medical disorder. Only 9 (30%) of 30 teens aged <18 years who were age-eligible for a temporary permit had obtained one, and only 1 (7%) of 14 teens who was age-eligible for a probationary license had obtained one. Rates of neurological disorders and concerns that the teen lacked maturity to drive or would get lost were significantly higher in 25 age-eligible teens who were not driving than in the 20 teens who were driving (p=0.013 and 0.038, respectively). Caregivers frequently talked to their teens about driving but less often practiced driving with their teens.
Conclusions:
Delays in progressing toward obtaining a driving license are common in teens born extremely preterm. The findings from this study describe these delays and provide information on caregiver concerns and involvement in driving. Future research is needed to characterize and improve driving readiness in this population.
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