The impact of a supplemental drivers’ education program on teenage risk perception and driving behaviors

• Published in: Transportation research. Part F, Traffic psychology and behaviour Traffic psychology and behaviour, 2018-10, Vol.58, p.442-451
• Main Authors: Lanning, Beth A., Melton, Karen, Abel, Naomi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Automobile driving; Crashes; Decision making; Driver education; Impact strength; Motor vehicles; Risk perception; Risky driving; Supplemental driving programs; Teenagers; Traffic safety; Young people
• ISSN: 1369-8478; 1873-5517
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2018.06.019

•Reality/fear components of driving programs may increase risk perception.•Health Belief Model is useful to assess change in teenage risky driving behaviors.•Risk perception may influence risky driving behavior. Adolescents are more likely to drive recklessly, to drive while intoxicated, to use illicit drugs, to engage in antisocial behavior and may have a lower sense of risk and understanding of the negative behavioral consequences than their adult counterparts, significantly increasing their risk of motor vehicle crashes. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a supplemental driving program on young drivers’ perception of risk and risky driving behaviors. The Health Belief Model was used as a guiding framework for the design and evaluation of the study. Participants (n = 28) attending the court mandated driving program completed measures of risk perception, risky driving behaviors, and risky driving knowledge before and after attending the program. Participants’ level of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and severity of risky driving behaviors increased significantly. In particular, the change in risk perception for speeding was statistically significant and large effect sizes were noted. The participants’ reported a moderate change in self-efficacy to control driving behaviors and acknowledged the impact of peer influences on drinking and driving. Overall, the program appeared to have a positive impact on risk perception and self-efficacy on the participants. Follow-up data on risky driving behaviors was limited and inconclusive. Adolescent driving programs designed to reduce risky driving behaviors should include realistic experiences that increase risk perception and opportunities for teens to improve decision making skills related to risky driving.