Translating research into practice

Abstract

GDL Practices Commentary By learning what works and the science behind it, practitioners from transportation, motor vehicle, public safety, and driver education agencies gained information to help sway legislators and parents who may be reluctant to back additional safety measures. We also learned more about concepts that help drive successful efforts. For example, by understanding the importance of parental involvement, we can build more successful community outreach programs. Similarly, by understanding the susceptibility of teens to distractions and peer pressure, we can better justify laws that limit the number of teen passengers riding with novice teen drivers. Practitioners are action-oriented. So saying that something more can sometimes make us wince. However, driver education is a notable exception. We believe that driver education merits further research on several fronts: to identify positive safety effects; to show how updated instructional techniques and curricula can multiply those effects; and to explore how the curricula can be integrated into graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs and tailored to the differing needs of the novice driver during the instructional permit and intermediate phases. To expedite translating research into practice, all parties need to agree on exactly which GDL components to pursue. We should work together to learn from other states that have successfully implemented legislative strategies and innovative programs, and then replicate those efforts. We should also jointly develop and provide brief, concise, and convincing communications. Researchers should help by presenting their results in clear non-technical language. The symposium demonstrated the common desire among participants to make GDL even more effective. We need to continue efforts to turn that desire into reality. Such efforts should include seeking closer collaboration between researchers and practitioners. Also high on the list is pursuing a state-wide coalition model that includes public health, legislative and other advocates, as piloted by CDC and STIPDA. Language: en