Views of Connecticut Parents of Teens and Other Adults about Graduated Licensing Upgrades

Abstract

Objectives: Many states, including Connecticut, have strengthened their licensing laws in response to continuing teen deaths. At the time of the survey, Connecticut was considering further changes and it is likely that other states will be doing the same. The objective was to determine parental views about enhancements to the learner stage and to existing night and passenger restrictions. Methods: Parents of teens and a sample of other adults were interviewed by telephone. Results: Connecticut parents were well aware of the provisions of the current law. The majority of parents of teens and a majority of “other adults” supported a requirement for increased driving supervision, a longer permit period, a longer-term passenger restriction, and a night restriction starting earlier than midnight. About half favored a higher minimum permit age. Support was highest among “other adults” and among females in both groups. Conclusions: Survey results such as these can provide guidance to states wishing to reduce the young driver problem through changes in licensing laws. Connecticut in fact enacted new legislation effective August 1, 2008, strengthening requirements in ways supported by parents and other adults. Survey results were available to legislators during their deliberations and may have played a role.