title: "Good Passengers and Not Good Passengers:" Adolescent Drivers' Perceptions About Inattention and Peer Passengers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this qualitative focus group elicitation research study was to explore teen driver perceptions of peer passengers and driver inattention.
  
  
  METHODS
  We utilized focus groups for data collection and content analysis to analyze the data, both of which were guided by the theory of planned behavior. We conducted 7 focus groups with 30 teens, ages 16-18, licensed for ≤1year to examine attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and norms related to driving inattention and peer passengers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample was 50% male, mean age 17.39 (SD 0.52) with mean length of licensure 173.7days (SD 109.2). Three themes emerged: 1) "Good and not good" passengers; 2) Passengers and technology as harmful and helpful; and 3) The driver is in charge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While passengers can be a source of distraction, our participants also identified passenger behaviors that reduced risk, such as assistance with technology and guidance for directions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An understanding of teens' perceptions of peer passengers can contribute to the development of effective interventions targeting teen driver inattention. Nurses are well-positioned to contribute to these teen crash prevention efforts.
authors: University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Electronic address: mcdonalc@nursing.upenn.edu.
authors: Catherine C
authors: CC
authors: McDonald
authors: Lillian S. Brunner Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA.
authors: Marilyn S
authors: MS
authors: Sommers
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012309:Risk-Taking
keywords: Driving; Inattention; Motor vehicle crashes; Passengers; Teens