Kentucky's graduated driver licensing program for young drivers: barriers to effective local implementation

Abstract

Objectives-To examine the implementation of graduated driver licensing (GDL) in Kentucky and to use the data collected to recommend actions to enhance the eVectiveness of the GDL program. Methods-Data were acquired from surveys of 700 law enforcement oYcers and more than 40 judges and from interviews with 100 persons who implement or are aVected by Kentucky's GDL program-for example, traYc court judges, licensing clerks, law enforcement oYcers, insurance agents, driving instructors, parents, and employers of teens. Transcripts from interviews were analyzed using a qualitative data analysis computer program. Results and conclusions-Participants noted a widespread lack of awareness of the night-time driving restriction and a substantial number of young drivers receiving little driving time during the learner permit phase. It appeared that specific GDL provisions can be diYcult for judges and law oYcers to enforce and the penalty of license suspension after several traYc violations may not be a sufficient deterrent. EVorts are needed to increase parental awareness of GDL provisions, GDL purpose, and their teen's traYc violations and to increase parental enforcement of restrictions that are diYcult for law enforcement agencies to monitor, such as the night-time driving restriction and the adult supervision requirement. (Injury Prevention 2001;7:286-291)

How old is that child? Validating the accuracy of age assignments in observational surveys of vehicle restraint use

“…For example, observational studies of booster seats target 4-9 year olds 30 31 ; studies of rear versus front seat position focus on children under 12 or 13 years of age [32][33][34] ; and studies of graduated licensing target teenage drivers. [35][36][37] Interviewing drivers to obtain the correct ages of vehicle occupants is not a perfect solution. For example, the driver may not be the parent and therefore not report the correct age of a child occupant.…”

Graduated driver licensing in Utah: Is it effective?

“…Evidence from other studies suggests that enforcement of graduated driver licensing restrictions is not a high priority for law enforcement agencies. [27][28][29] There are several reasons why officers may not be citing graduated driver licensing restrictions. Enforcement of graduated driver licensing restrictions is difficult because the violations cannot be detected without knowing the teenager's licensure level.…”

Graduated driver licensing research in 2003 and beyond

“…Steenbergen et al (2001) surveyed law enforcement officers, judges, motorvehicle department officials, insurance agents, driving instructors, and employers of teens regarding these requirements. She found a widespread lack of awareness of the nighttime driving restriction.…”