Posted: Aug 2, 2024

Research at North Dakota State University's Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute shows that a parent advisory letter can be an effective tool for improving teen driver safety. The letter was directed to parents of teens who had been identified as high-risk drivers to encourage parent/teen safe driving discussions and strengthen parent practices regarding graduated driver's license restrictions. The research showed that, after receiving the letter, about 80% of parents reported taking actions, such as discussions with their teen, learning more about teen driver risk, and finding additional driver training. Findings may inform other states about low-cost individualized programs to complement their "one-fits-all" driver improvement strategies.

Kimberly Vachal, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University

Do Advisory Letters Engage Parents in Teen Driver Safety?
MPC-24-514