Optimizing Parent-Teen Supervised Drives to Reduce Teen Crash Rates (BTS-33)

Status: Research Underway

Teen drivers face some of the highest crash risks on the road, which makes the supervised driving phase a critical opportunity to build safe driving habits before licensure. States require supervised driving to help teens gain experience, yet the structure and quality of this practice time vary widely. Understanding what makes supervised driving most effective is essential for reducing teen crashes.

This project will provide actionable data that helps states optimize supervised driving requirements so they create safer teen drivers and reduce crash risk for this vulnerable age group. The research will examine how different state approaches influence safety outcomes and what supports help parents guide teens more effectively.

The project will explore several study approaches, including:

• Comparing safety outcomes in states that do and do not require teen driving logs
• Determining whether providing parents with resources for the learner’s permit phase, tracking time together and submitting accurate supervised‑driving logs leads to more experience, safer teen drivers and fewer crashes
• Assessing whether instructional curriculum provided to parents and teens during the permitting process reduces crash risk

The project will produce resources for states and parents to strengthen the supervised driving requirement and help ensure it achieves its intended goal: preparing teens to drive safely and confidently.