PC2131: The Drivingly Study: Updates on the Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The Drivingly Program, based on the Phase Transition Framework for reducing crash risk, is a multicomponent crash prevention program combining effective interventions into a comprehensive program targeting both parents and teens as they move through graduated driver’s licensure (GDL). The aim of this presentation is to share results from the development phase of Drivingly, introduce the evaluation methods utilized in the randomized controlled trial (RCT) (NCT03639753), and provide updates on recruitment and enrollment.

Methods: Drivingly, which spans the learner and junior license periods, consists of two semi-structured parent sessions, an on-road driver assessment and feedback pathway for teen drivers, and web-based psychoeducational curriculum with a hazard anticipation and attention training component (Driver-ZED).The Drivingly Program development phase consisted of four distinct components: 1) refinement of the scientific theory of change; 2) content review and development for scalability, including development of online learning modules [https://drivingly.org/], a tailored on-road assessment and feedback pathway, and intervention administrator training manuals; 3) mixed-method testing of website content for feasibility and acceptability with parents and teens; and 4) expert review and feedback from driver educators concerning the on-road driver assessment and feedback methodology. The primary outcome of the RCT is police-reported crashes within the 12-months of licensure (obtained through state crash records). Broad recruitment strategies are being used to recruit the 1200 parent-teen dyads into the RCT.

Results: Website feasibility and usability testing indicated high levels of both dimensions across parents, with lower levels among teens. Thematic analysis directed final changes to the web-based component of the program. Driver educator feedback on the on-road assessment and feedback session was constructive, indicating feasibility and support. The on-road assessment for the teen is administered in a dual-controlled vehicle by a trained driver educators is intended to be delivered around 20 weeks post-enrollment, lasts approximately 45 min and includes simple and complex scenarios for the teens to navigate. Feedback sessions on the assessment are delivered to the parent-teen dyad highlighting strengths and areas for practice. Recruitment for the RCT began in August 2021. Additional study data, explicated logic model, content snapshots, and detailed protocol description will be available at the Annual Meeting.

Conclusion: Young drivers’ crash risk is highly heterogenous, changes non-linearly and non-incrementally, and the variability of the transportation environment in conjunction with its interconnected (i.e., systems) features make individual-level crash risk hard to predict. The Drivingly Program is a flexible, multicomponent, and sustained set of cohesive interventions which stands the best chance to meaningfully reduce crash risk for the largest number of young drivers. Results from the main RCT will help inform clear strategies to reduce motor vehicle crashes.