The authors sought evidence in the research literature to determine if (1) high school-aged persons who enroll in a driver education course have fewer motor vehicle-related crashes or violations, or are more likely to obtain a drivers license, than those who do not enroll in driver education courses, and (2) the availability of high school driver education courses is associated with lower community rates of motor vehicle crashes among young drivers. Nine studies met the authors' inclusion criteria. Based on these studies, there is no convincing evidence that high school driver education reduces motor vehicle crash involvement rates for young drivers, either at the individual or community level. In fact, by providing an opportunity for early licensure, there is evidence that these courses are associated with higher crash involvement for young drivers. Although few driver education curricula have been carefull evaluated, in the absence of evidence that driver education reduces crash involvement rates for young persons, schools and communities should consider other ways to reduce motor vehicle-related deaths in this population, such as graduated licensing. (A)
Abstract