Does Knowledge of Teen Driving Risks and Awareness of Current Law Translate into Support for Stronger GDL Provisions? Lessons Learned from One State

Abstract

Objective: Many states are considering strengthening their graduated driving licensing (GDL) systems for teenage drivers but most do not know the level of public support for proposed upgrades. This study provides a method for states to identify specific demographic groups that may differ with regard to their awareness of teen driving risks, knowledge of current GDL law, and support for GDL upgrades. Methods: A 28-item questionnaire was administered to Connecticut adults by phone survey during January 2008. We collected demographic information and whether respondents understood driving risks, were aware of the current GDL system, and whether they would support GDL upgrades. The state's motor vehicle crash file (1999–2006) was used to calculate motor vehicle crash rate among 16- and 17-year-old drivers by town and correlate that with support for GDL upgrades. Results: Eight hundred seven people were interviewed. More women than men (92% vs. 86%, p < .05) and more parents than other adults (96% vs. 84%, p < .01) were aware of the current learner's permit law. Female respondents (55% vs. 43%, p < .01) and adults who were not parents (54% vs. 45%, p < .05) were more likely to support increasing the minimum driving age. Parents were more aware than other adults (91% vs. 73%, p < .01) of the supervised driving provision. Women were more supportive of a supervised driving upgrade (83% vs. 69, p < .01). There was more support for a night restriction upgrade among other adults than parents (59% vs. 51%, p < .05), and the lowest support was in affluent towns (38%). Two thirds supported a passenger restriction upgrade with no differences based upon sex or geographic location. There was less support for an increased penalties in Fairfield County when compared to all other counties (55% vs. 63%, p < .05) and more support in Hartford County versus all other counties (70% vs. 58%, p < .05). Conclusions: Parents of Connecticut teens were more knowledgeable of current law but less supportive of GDL upgrades compared to other adults. Women were more apt to favor GDL upgrades than men. This study identifies subgroups that can be targeted for prevention activities and illustrates a useful method to assess public support for GDL upgrades.