Acceptability of the Checkpoints Parent-Teen Driving Agreement: pilot test

Background: Parent-teen driving agreements are potentially important tools to facilitate parental management of teen driving and reduce adolescent driving risk. The Checkpoints Parent-Teen Driving Agreement (Checkpoints P-TDA) was designed so that parents could initially impose strict limitations on teen driving in high-risk driving conditions (e.g., at night and with teen passengers) and gradually increase driving privileges over time as teens demonstrate responsible driving behavior. Methods: To assess the acceptability of the format and content of the Checkpoints P-TDA, it was pilot tested with a convenience sample of 47 families recruited as their teens tested for a driver’s license at five private driving schools in Connecticut. Family members were interviewed at the driving schools about potential limits on teen driving, asked to use the driving agreement, and re-interviewed within 3 months about acceptability of the driving agreement and initial driving limits placed on teens. Results: Most families (38 of 47) used and liked the agreement. In addition, most parents placed the recommended strict initial limits on teen driving related to driving unsupervised at night, with teen passengers, and on high-speed roads. Moreover, parents reported placing more strict limits on their teens’ driving than they originally intended. Conclusions: The results showed promise for the acceptability of the Checkpoints P-TDA, which will be tested statewide.