The UK Government's strategy to reduce accidents among teenage drivers is outlined. Students aged 16-18 are offered an education package developed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) which consists of a 50-minute presentation by driving examiners about selecting a driving instructor, the theory and practical tests, and a range of road safety issues. 125,000 students were addressed in 2000, with plans to extend the scheme to 750,000 students. A literature search for randomised controlled trials found reference to three studies (in Australia, New Zealand and Canada) including 17,965 scheme participants. This confirmed that education led to earlier achievement of driving licenses, and a potentially important increase in the number of teenagers involved in traffic crashes. It is argued that the education package is counterproductive and should be stopped. Other studies of the DSA presentation have found sustained improved attitudes to road safety and awareness of risks.
Abstract