Several countries have introduced graduated licensing systems to address the problem of young driver crashes. These programs create an environment for skill acquisition that restricts driving to low-risk times and conditions. They also allow the beneficial effects of increased maturity to be realised by delaying full licensure. Although it is too soon to determine the effects on crashes of recently implemented systems, reactions to them can be assessed. This study examines how parents in Ontario, Canada have responded to the graduated licensing program implemented in 1994. The study involves a survey of 520 parents whose teenagers (ages 16-18) are in the program. The survey obtained information on parents' knowledge of the program, extent to which their sons/daughters comply with the program's restrictions, and attitudes toward the overall program and its restrictions. Results indicate parents are very informed about the graduated licensing program. Their attitudes toward the program and its various restrictions are extremely favourable, and compliance appears widespread. Accordingly, there is no evidence to substantiate initial concerns that parental support would dwindle upon exposure to some of the inconveniences inherent in the program, such as providing supervised driving and ensuring no driving during night curfew hours. (Author/publisher)
Abstract