Fresh Look at the State of Driver Education in America. Traffic Tech, Technology Transfer Series.

摘要

Approximately 8 percent of all licensed drivers involved in fatal crashes are between 15 and 18 years old, and motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for this age group. It was once thought that effective driver education and training would reduce the high crash rates of young, novice drivers. Multiple evaluations of driver education, however, have failed to provide any evidence for decreased crash rates among teen drivers who completed driver education. Nevertheless, driver education remains a standard for acquiring driving skills, and many States require driver education for all drivers under the age of 18. The high rate of driver fatalities among 15- to 18-year-olds has raised the question of whether an overhaul of current driver education practices could produce safer novice drivers. To address this issue, NHTSA conducted a study to (1) identify and review current driver education and training programs in use; (2) identify best teaching practices for teenagers; (3) examine the optimal sequencing for the presentation of safe driving skills in the classroom and during behind-the-wheel training; and (4) assess whether a new approach to driver education would be beneficial.