New insight from the behavioral, cognitive, social, and biological sciences, as it relates to teen driving, was the topic of a workshop held recently at the National Academies in Washington, D.C.  Alan Brown, Chairman of the Joshua Brown Foundation, and Pat Wilder, Executive Director, were among 150 invitees from the various related sciences and educational organizations focused on adolescent safety.

Behavioral variables have been regarded as critical to discussions of 21st Century Driver Education, a focus of the Foundation. Findings of the conference confirm the structure of Graduated Driver Education as an adaptable teen driver training program developed around biological and emotional changes of adolescence.  

During the meetings, greater consideration to the issues of adolescent development and learning processes were reviewed to develop prevention strategies to reduce teen crash rates and promote responsible behaviors among teen drivers.

Theories and evidence from behavioral, cognitive, social, health, and biological sciences were discussed as to the application of new research of teen motor vehicle safety in three areas:

1. Understanding the risk and protective factors of teen motor vehicle safety
2. Improving program and policy interventions to reduce crashes
3. Priorities in advancing safe driving safety for teens

  
Particular attention was given to traditional and nontraditional strategies, training, driving laws, insurance practices, and law enforcement. Also included was the opportunity and influence of parents, educators, media, and health care providers to intervene and assist in training practices.

The workshop report will explore the range of risk factors and behaviors associated with motor vehicle crashes involving teen drivers, highlight the relative risk of certain population groups, and identify factors that foster safe and responsible driving behaviors within the different developmental periods of adolescence. It will also address behavioral and social strategies that show promise in reducing crash rates and promoting responsible driving practices involving teen drivers and passengers.
Also considered will be priorities that improve the knowledge base that guides policy, practice, and prevention programs.

The workshop was sponsored by State Farm, CDC, National Institute of Health.