The Traffic Injury Research Foundation is pleased to announce the publication of “A New GDL Framework: Planning for the Future.” This Phase 2 report focuses on the implementation of the GDL Framework and is part of a continuing series of initiatives designed to improve young driver safety. TIRF and the National Safety Council (NSC) are also pleased to announce Phase 3 of the project, which will begin later this year. TIRF published the Phase 1 report in January 2015, in partnership with the NSC, and with the cooperation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It presented an evidence-based Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Framework that aimed to integrate programs with other best practice strategies to keep young drivers safe on the road, such as driver education, licensing testing, and in-vehicle monitoring technologies. The new Phase 2 report contains a roadmap to help states create an implementation strategy for the Framework. Phase 2 involved a survey of initiatives aimed at enhancing GDL and teen driver safety in 28 US states and 8 provinces in Canada. The survey results were then shared as a basis for discussion at a two-day International Symposium that involved more than 50 traffic safety professionals. The results of the survey and the Symposium were summarized to identify the components in the GDL Framework that currently have the greatest potential for success. The Phase 2 report provides a solid basis for jurisdictions to pursue improvements to existing young driver programs and adopt evidence-based practices. General recommendations included in the report also provide guidance in the development of a practical strategy that acknowledges the complexity of programs for young drivers. Phase 3 of this project is slated to begin this fall, and tackles the development and pilot of practical tools and resources, combined with a technical assistance strategy, to further support state efforts to improve safety among young drivers. Phase 3 will provide both general resources and tailored, hands-on technical assistance to three states as they work to enhance novice driver licensing, training, and monitoring using the newly designed GDL Framework. (Author/publisher)
Abstract