Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of adolescent death in the United States. Teens have higher collision rates and a decreased likelihood of using seat belts compared to older, more experienced drivers.
In a new study published in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, researchers tested the effectiveness of a service-learning program in teaching teens better seat belt habits. The educational intervention was conducted in eleven high schools across the U.S. in the 2011-2012 school year.
Direct observation of students wearing seat belts both before and after school was used during the fall semester to create a baseline of seat belt use. After the service-learning intervention, seat belt use was again observed in the spring semester for comparison.
After the service-learning program, seat belt use increased 12.8%, from 70.4% usage in the fall to 83.2% usage in the spring. The increase in using seat belts was noted among white, black, and Hispanic teen drivers. However, researchers found that black and Hispanic teens were still less likely to use seat belts compared to white drivers.
The study found that female teen drivers were significantly more likely to be influenced by service-learning and use seat belts than their male counterparts. It was also discovered that the teens who drove with passengers in their vehicle had an increased likelihood of seat belt use.
The authors of the study concluded that a service-learning intervention can be effective for increasing the use of seat belts. They recommended that high schools utilize curricula continuously incorporating service-learning about safety and seat belts.
Additional research has sought areas of needed improvement for teen safety in motor vehicles. One such study revealed the prevalence of risky driving behaviors among teens. Another found that almost 43% of adolescents admit to the dangerous habit of texting and driving.
Education about safe driving shouldn’t stop at drivers’ training courses. Parents can help their teens make safe choices behind the wheel by communicating and revisiting the topic often.
Reference
Godzweig I, Levine R, et al. Improving seat belt use among teen drivers: findings from a service-learning approach. Accident Analysis & Prevention 2013 May 21 (online only). doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2013.04.032.
