Background A paucity of interventions have focused on increasing parental engagement with high-risk teen drivers, specifically those with a traffic violation.

Objective This qualitative study explored parent/guardian (‘parent’) experiences participating in ProjectDRIVE, a parent-centered intervention to improve safe driving practices among teen drivers cited for a traffic violation.

Methods We conducted virtual, semi-structured interviews with parents who completed ProjectDRIVE. ProjectDRIVE includes two components: communication training to promote effective parent-teen communication and an in-vehicle technology feedback system. Parents were asked about their experiences with ProjectDRIVE, including barriers and facilitators to participation and completion of the study. Completed interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by two coders using a systematic, open, and focused coding process. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti.

Results A total of 20 interviews were completed, with 17 females and 3 males. Three major themes were identified: (1) Initial decision to participate, (2) Continued engagement in ProjectDRIVE, and (3) Perceived benefits of participation. Several subthemes emerged as facilitators related to initial decision to participate including parent’s motivation to help their teen, perceived benefits of ProjectDRIVE, and monetary compensation. Several barriers to initial decision to participate were identified including demanding schedules, teen’s lack of access to a car, or no or poor internet. Further, facilitators for continued engagement in ProjectDRIVE included the opportunity to learn communication skills around driving topics, teen willingness to engage, and strong parental engagement, while conflicting priorities of teens was identified as a barrier to continued engagement in ProjectDRIVE. Finally, three subthemes related to perceived benefits of participation in ProjectDRIVE emerged as increased self-efficacy about parent-teen communication, improved parent-teen communication, and enhanced parent-teen relationship.

Conclusions Our results contribute to the literature on effective parental engagement strategies to promote safe driving practices among high-risk teens, specifically teen drivers cited for a traffic violation. These findings will inform strategies needed to develop and implement court-ordered parent-based teen safe driving programs following their teen’s traffic violation.