Principal investigator: Bruce Simons-Morton, Ed.D., M.P.H.
This series of intervention evaluation studies tests the efficacy and effectiveness of the Checkpoints Program for increasing parental management of teen drivers. The Checkpoints intervention includes persuasive communications, including a nine-minute videotape, “Who Wants to Be A Driver?” These materials have been designed to increase families’ perceived risk, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy of parental management, and to promote the adoption of the Checkpoints Parent-Teen Driving Agreement.

Connecticut Young Drivers Intervention Study
A sample of approximately 4,000 families in Connecticut were recruited at the time the teen passed the test for a learner's permit. Families were assessed five times, from recruitment until 12 months post-licensure. Intervention materials were delivered over an extended period prior to licensure. The first 450 families were treated as a “vanguard” to allow the researchers to test the protocol and make changes before full implementation. Analyses of treatment group differences with the vanguard indicated effects on parental restrictions through 12 months. Analyses of the full trial are ongoing.

Maryland Young Driver Intervention Study
This study was designed to test the efficacy of the Checkpoints Program administered at the time of licensure. In one Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office, approximately 600 families were recruited at the time the teen passed the test for a license. Intervention families viewed the video and were encouraged by research staff to adopt the Checkpoints Parent-Teen Driving Agreement. Treatment group differences were about the same as noted in Connecticut, where the intervention was implemented during a long period prior to licensure, but for which there was no personal contact with the families. Analyses of these data are underway.

Rhode Island Checkpoints Study
The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of personal persuasion for increasing parent limit setting on the driving conditions of novice teen drivers. Families are recruited at the time the teen obtains a permit and receive the Checkpoints intervention delivered in person by trained staff. They receive the intervention again, delivered in person by trained staff at licensure.

The Michigan Driver Education Study
Two studies are underway in collaboration with investigators at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. These group randomized trials will evaluate the efficacy of implementing the Checkpoints Program during driver education courses. In the first study, research staff deliver the intervention. In the second study, driver education instructors are trained to deliver the intervention.

DESPR Collaborators

· Marie Claude Ouimet, Ph.D.
· Jing Wang Ph.D.

Selected Publications

Simons-Morton BG, Catalano R, & Ouimet MC. (In press). Driving inexperience as a cause and parent management as a solution to the novice young driver problem. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Simons-Morton BG. Parent involvement in novice teen driving: Rationale, evidence of effects, and potential for enhancing graduated driver licensing effectiveness. (2007). Journal of Safety Research, 38:193-202. [Abstract]

Simons-Morton BG, Hartos J, Leaf W, & Preusser D. (2006). The effect on teen driving outcomes of the Checkpoints Program in a state-wide trial. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 38:907-912. [Abstract]

Simons-Morton BG, Hartos JL, Leaf WA, & Preusser DF. (2006). The effects of the Checkpoints program on parent-imposed driving limits and crash outcomes among Connecticut novice teen drivers at 6-months post-licensure. Journal of Safety Research, 37:9-15. [Abstract]

Simons-Morton BG, Hartos J, Leaf W, & Preusser D. (2006). Increasing parent limits on novice young drivers: Cognitive mediation of the effect of persuasive messages. Journal of Adolescent Research, 21(1):83-105.

Simons-Morton BG, Hartos J, Leaf WA, & Preusser D. (2005). Persistence of effects of the Checkpoints program on parental restrictions of teen driving privileges. American Journal of Public Health, 95(3):447-452. [Abstract]

Simons-Morton BG, Mickalide A, & Olsen E. (2005). Preventing motor vehicle crash injuries among children and adolescents. In Liller K, (Ed.), Injury Prevention for Children and Adolescents: Integration of Research, Practice, and Advocacy. Washington DC: American Public Health Association.

Simons-Morton BG, Hartos JL, & Beck K. (2004). Increased parent limits on teen driving: Positive effects from a brief intervention administered at the Motor Vehicle Administration. Prevention Science, 5(2):101-111. [Abstract]

Simons-Morton BG & Hartos JL. (2003). Improving the effectiveness of counter measures to motor vehicle crashes among young drivers. Journal of Health Education, 34(5):S57-S61.

Simons-Morton BG, Hartos J, & Leaf WA. (2002). Promoting parental management of teen driving. Injury Prevention, 8(Suppl II):24-31. [Abstract]