Actively Recruiting
Led by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · Updated on 2026-04-06
1300
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
C
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
Researchers are evaluating different types of driver training programs to reduce crash risk among young new drivers shortly after they get their license. The study focuses on adolescents aged 16 to 17 in Pennsylvania, where crash risk is highest in the early months of independent driving. Despite graduated driver licensing laws, many states, including Pennsylvania, do not require professional training for young drivers, so this research aims to see if specific training can improve safety. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups during their learner phase: professional behind-the-wheel training with a local driving instructor, an online driver skills training program called ACCEL, or an online vehicle and driver safety education module. The behind-the-wheel training includes 6 hours of in-person lessons and practice, while the online programs each take about two hours to complete. The study continues through the learner permit phase and for six months after participants receive their license. During the study, participants will complete baseline surveys, cognitive tasks, and virtual driving assessments. A smartphone app will monitor driving trips during the learner and post-licensure phases, with monthly surveys to track progress. After licensure, participants will complete online hazard tests and surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months. Researchers will measure outcomes like hard braking events, license exam pass rates, phone use while driving, speeding, crash involvement, and risky driving behaviors to assess the effects of the training.
CONDITIONS
Driver Education Research Study
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 12 months or until licensure
Participants receive one of three driver training interventions: professional behind-the-wheel training, an online driver skills training course, or an online vehicle and driver safety education program. Driving practice and skill development occur during this phase.
Virtual driving assessments and baseline surveys completed during clinical or other visits; ongoing use of smartphone app and monthly surveys completed at home
Duration - 6 months after licensure
After obtaining a driver's license, participants complete an online hazard skills test, surveys, and a virtual driving assessment. They are followed for 6 months with online surveys and continued driver trip monitoring via smartphone app to assess driving behavior and safety.
Online surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months post-licensure with continuous smartphone app monitoring
Total: 1 location
1
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19146
Actively Recruiting
T
Thomas Seacrist, MBE
J
Jamillah T Millner, MPH
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
3
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Elizabeth A Walshe, Daniel Romer, Michael R Elliott...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41327408