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.