A comparison of teen perceptions and parental reports of influence on driving risk

Objectives: To compare associations between teen and parent reports of parental driving influence to teen-reported high-risk driving. Methods: A statewide sample of 424 Maryland parents and their provisionally licensed teenagers were interviewed. Results: Reports of parental involvement with their driving to that of their parents indicated low levels of concordance, Teens who reported their parents had specific rules restricting who could ride with them as well as how many passengers were allowed to ride with them were less likely to report being distracted by friends, getting a ticket, driving too fast, or driving aggressively. Conclusion: Programs that enable parents to restrict and supervise their teen's driving, especially during the first 6 months of provisional licensure, are indicated.