- Studying the effects of Graduated Driver Licensing
- Research in the early 1990s led to the implementation of this new approach to young driver licensing. CSYD scientists have been studying the various effects of this new approach for several years. Previous studies have confirmed its benefits and have stimulated alterations to the system. Current work is examining the long-term effects of this revision of driver licensing policy.
- Role of parental involvement in young driver licensing
- Although parents play a central role by supervising driving practice during the learner stage of GDL, virtually nothing is known about the nature and quality of parental supervision.
- Providing guidance to state transportation agencies
- CSYD researchers have written two comprehensive guides to support implementation of the Strategic Highway Safety Program. These address 2 of the 23 high priority areas that need to be addressed in order to reduce motor vehicle crashes in the U.S.: Young driver crashes and crashes involving alcohol.
- Examining policies to reduce drowsy teen driving
- Young drivers are much more likely than other adults to be involved in drowsy-driving crashes. CSYD researchers are currently studying the effects of a promising policy (delaying school start times until 8:30 a.m. or later) for reducing crashes among high school age drivers.
- Evaluating programs to reduce underage drinking
- Each year in the U.S., underage drinking results in more than 3,000 deaths and 2.5 million other harmful events. CSYD researchers are working to evaluate community programs designed to reduce the consequences of underage drinking by focusing on preventing the sale and non-commercial provision of alcohol to young people.
- Teen drivers and use of mobile phones
- Several states now prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving by young persons. However, few studies have measured teen use of mobile phones and there are presently no studies available that measure the effects of these laws – on driver behavior or crashes. CSYD researchers recently examined initial effects of the North Carolina prohibition of mobile phone use, which was implemented on December 1, 2006.