Development of Web-Based Parent Support Program to Improve Quantity, Quality, and Diversity of Teens’ Home-Based Practice Driving

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Development of Web-Based Parent Support Program to Improve Quantity, Quality, and Diversity of Teens’ Home-Based Practice Driving

Mirman, Jessica H. / Lee, Yi-Ching / Kay, Joseph / Durbin, Dennis R. / Winston, Flaura K.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a web-based program, the teen driving plan (TDP), for the parents of teen drivers and the results of a process evaluation to determine whether this intervention can be used as intended for the target population. The TDP is designed to promote parents’ facilitation of their teens’ home-based practice driving to increase the quantity, quality, and diversity of teens’ practice. The core functionality of the program centers on encouraging parents to plan and log practice drives. Use of these online tools encourages parents to watch short video tutorials that provide guidance on how to structure practice drives. Results of the mixed-methods process evaluation (n = 16 families) suggest that the TDP was viewed favorably by families and can be used by parents of learner teen drivers to plan and log practice drives. Families were followed over a 6-week period, and data were collected on the TDP use, participants’ practice driving, participants’ reactions to using the program, and their suggestions for improving the TDP. Multiple research methods were used, including user-tracking software, online surveys, focus groups and interviews, and a technical assistance log. Participants provided helpful feedback about website design and functionality. Overall, the results indicate that the TDP is a promising new intervention worthy of further development and research.