Research
Parental Management of Teen Driving
through Primary Care
In 2002, 5,522 motor vehicle related fatalities involved teen
drivers’ ages 15-19 years. Adolescents are more likely than other
drivers to take chances while driving and parents underestimate
these risks. Parents serve as gatekeepers for allowing access to a
vehicle and setting limits on driving. The primary care provider is
often seen by the parent and the teen as a source of information and
counseling. We hypothesize that the primary care provider can assist
parents in reducing teen driving risk.