Several countries have introduced graduated licensing systems to address the problem of young driver crashes. Although it is too soon to determine the effects on crashes of recently implemented systems, reactions to them can be assessed. This study examined how parents in Ontario, Canada have responded to the graduated licensing program implemented in 1994. The study involved 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 complied with the program's restrictions, and attitudes toward the overall program and its restrictions. Parents were very informed about the graduated licensing program. Their attitudes toward the program and its various restrictions were extremely favorable, and compliance appeared widespread. Parents overwhelming supported the graduated licensing program in Ontario and approved of the individual restrictions. Accordingly, there was 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).
Samenvatting