Equitable access to driver training for youth presents a significant challenge. Research has identified disparities in the quality, availability, and affordability of driver education across different communities, particularly impacting low-income and rural areas. Lack of equitable driver training contributes to varying levels of driving skill and knowledge among young drivers, potentially leading to increased risks on the road. There is a need to understand the root causes of these disparities and their impact on traffic safety. Investigating gaps in driver education could identify specific barriers young drivers face in accessing quality training, including socioeconomic factors, geographic limitations, and potential biases in current training programs. Findings could be used by state highway safety offices (SHSOs) to develop targeted strategies to address these disparities.
The objective of this research is to identify effective strategies and best practices for SHSOs to make driver education accessible to all students equitably, particularly through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.