A -- PREVENTING MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES AMONG YOUNG DRIVERS: RESEARCH ON DRIVING RISK AMONG NOVICE TEEN DRIVERS

The Prevention Research Branch (PRB) of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has a requirement for the conduct of Studies to examine aspects of driving risks among novice teen drivers. The Studies will be conducted in cooperation and collaboration with the designated NICHD Project Officer (PO). One of the PRB areas of research emphasis is the prevention of motor vehicle crashes among young drivers. Young drivers are at greatly elevated risk for motor vehicle crashes, and these risks are particularly elevated during the first six months and 1000 miles of independent driving, regardless of the amount of supervised practice driving prior to licensure and age of licensure (McCartt et al., 2003). This may be due to age/inexperience (Williams & Ferguson, 2002), risk taking (Jonah, 1986), or other factors. Teen passengers, nighttime, distracting activities, and other factors can increase crash risks for novice teen drivers (Doherty et al., 1998). Research documenting the effect of passengers on driving performance has been based largely on analysis of databases of traffic crashes and injuries. Results indicate that, unlike experienced drivers, the effect of teen passengers is related to increased injury and accident rates for novice drivers. For example, Preusser et al. (1998) reported that for 16 year olds with two or more passengers present, the relative risk of being involved in a fatal crash was 7.86 times higher than drivers aged 30-59. Rice et al., (2003) reported that teen drivers driving alone or with other teenagers in the vehicle were much more likely to be involved in a crash than adults. This may be due to increased risk taking, for example, as evidenced by higher average speeds and reduced gaps between vehicles (McKenna et al., 1998). Recent research efforts have also indicated a tendency for young drivers to be less likely to stop at an intersection during the yellow phase than either older drivers or as a result of having a passenger(s) present (Doerzaph, 2004; Mahoney, 2004; Steinberg, 2003). Driving experience would appear to reduce teen driving risk (Williams, Ferguson, 2002), but no research trials have been conducted to assess the effect on objective measures of driving. The PRB's overall objective for the current requirement is to obtain reliable and valid data to examine aspects of driving risks among novice teen drivers. The objectives of the individual studies are as follows: Study 1 (Experience): Determine the effect of driving experience on the driving performance of teen drivers when newly licensed and again after substantial driving experience under normal, demanding, and distracted driving conditions (e.g., using electronic devices and in the presence of teen passengers) among males and females, and higher and lower risk taking/sensation seeking youth. Option 1, Study 2 (Practice Driving): Determine the nature and extent of practice driving for newly licensed teens and determine the effect of greater and lesser amounts of supervised practice driving on the driving performance of newly licensed teens. The required service is defined as code 541720 under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which will be considered by the agency. It is anticipated that one cost-reimbursement, incrementally funded type contract, with a period of performance of 36 months, will be awarded for the initial Study as a result of the RFP. It is also anticipated that the resultant contract will contain an option for an additional Study with period of performance of 40 months. This announcement is not a Request for Proposals (RFP). It is anticipated that the RFP will be available on or before December 8, 2004 through the web site at http://FedBizOpps.gov. All proposals must be submitted on or before the due date and time stated in the RFP to: Charles Newman, Contracting Officer, Contracts Management Branch, OAM, NICHD, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 7A07, MSC 7510, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-7510 (if sending by overnight carrier, use 6l00 Executive Boulevard, Suite 7A07, Rockville Maryland, 20852). The reference number to be used for this announcement is: RFP-NIH-NICHD-2005-03. All correspondence must cite the reference number as provided. Questions may be directed by telephone to Charles Newman, Contracting Officer, at +1 (555) 000-0000 or Jason Williams, Contracting Officer, at (301)-402-6775. The Government does not intend to release hard copies of the RFP. The Government also reserves the right to cancel this procurement at any time prior to contract award.