Effects of Defense Vehicle Handling Training on Novice Driver Safety: Phase 1. Preparation for Advanced Driving Training

摘要

New teenaged drivers have the highest accident rates of any group of drivers. Research is needed to determine how to safely equip novice drivers with the important elements of experience before they encounter a need for it in an actual driving situation. The purpose of this research program was to conduct such a study. This report summarizes Phase 1 of the three-phase project. Phase 1 included (1) identification of potential participants, (2) development of recruiting materials, (3) recruitment and scheduling of participants, (4) preparation of training plans and instructional materials, and (5) coordination with the Montana Office of Public Instruction for use of their facilities and instructors for the training workshops. During Phase 2, approximately half of the recruited subjects will receive an intervention that involves a one-day classroom and behind-the-wheel workshop. The training will take place 6 - 12 months after they complete high school driver education. During Phase 3, teens will be tracked for 4 years following the project to determine the driving history comparisons of the control group to those who received the intervention. Reported accidents, violations, and driving experience will be compared once per year during this monitoring period.