Information Page

What is this program?

This educational program is for the purpose of teen driver education. Teen drivers are the riskiest age group on the road, and this program is aimed to supplement other forms of driver education. The program presents the main factors that increase teen driver risks, and provides simple, concrete options and solutions to combat these risk factors.

What does the program involve?

This educational program involves several modules that each outline a key risk factor for teen drivers, and how parents and teens could tackle these situations. This includes passengers, nighttime driving, inclement weather, high-speed roadways, and under the influence. The program concludes with teaching parent-teen dyads learning how to create and use a parent-teen driving agreement (PTDA). There are also surveys prior to, and after completing the program, as well as two follow up surveys two and six months after program completion.

How long will participation take?

Each survey will only take five minutes to complete. The educational modules are each quite brief, and should only take 15 minutes to complete. These modules will always be available, if you would like to view them at a later time. The PTDA is the most intensive part of the program, and will require open dialogue between parent(s)/guardian(s) and teen. This could take anywhere from 15-45 minutes.

What is a parent-teen driving agreement (PTDA)?

A PTDA is a written agreement created between a teen driver and her/his parent(s)/guardian(s). This agreement is meant to act as a supplement to the G2 licensing process, which can immediately expose teen drivers to many risky driving situations. The agreement is meant to last one year, broken up into sections with restrictions on driving with passengers, nighttime driving, weather conditions, and road type. Restrictions are meant to be more stringent earlier on, and gradually relaxed as the teen driver exhibits proficiency in their driving. The conclusion of the agreement should align with the teen drivers G licensing test, such that they are ready to drive without restriction.

Who is this program for?

This program is meant to be for teen drivers and their parent(s)/guardian(s). A teen driver is generally between the ages of 16 and 19, and this program is meant for those teen drivers who already have their G1 license, and are expecting to receive their G2 license shortly. The program is structured such that one parent/guardian is working alongside their teenager, however, all parent(s)/guardian(s) of the teen are welcome to be involved.

Is participation in this study voluntary?

Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may stop the survey(s), educational training modules, and PTDA at any time.

What are the benefits of this program?

There are no direct benefits associated with this study. However, you may learn about risky teen driving behaviours and methods or actions to reduce them.

What are the risks of this program?

There are no known or anticipated risks associated with participation in this study.

How is data collected, stored, and processed?

The anonymous surveys will not ask for your name or other identifying information. Email addresses will not be linked with your collected data, but will be used to send reminder emails. Removing your responses later is not possible because the researchers will have no way of identifying which responses are yours. This survey is hosted by Qualtrics, which has multiple safeguards in place, although no internet transmission is ever fully secure. Collected data will be securely stored on password-protected computers, and any personally identifying information will be encrypted. The minimum retention period for the data is 2 years. CIMA+, a partnering company, will also have access to the data.

Who is sponsoring this program?

This program was created by the University of Waterloo, and is funded by Transport Canada, as well as the regions of Niagara, and Niagara Falls. CIMA+, a multidisciplinary company specializing in engineering, project management, urban planning, and the environment, is also involved with this project, and was responsible for the creation of the online PTDA platform.

Has this program received ethical clearance?

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (REB 47614). If you have questions for the Board, contact the Office of Research Ethics, toll-free at 1-833-643-2379 (Canada and USA), 1-519-888-4440, or reb@uwaterloo.ca.

Who should I contact with questions regarding my participation in this program?

If you have any questions regarding your participation in this program, you should contact the study investigators.

Student Investigator: Joshua Zelek, MSc, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo. Email: j3zelek@uwaterloo.ca