Exploring the safety implications of young drivers' behavior, attitudes and perceptions

    Authors

    H. M. Hassan;M. A. Abdel-Aty

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Accid. Anal. Prev.

    Keywords

    Crash risk; Young drivers' behavior; Structural equation modeling; RISKY DRIVING BEHAVIOR; PASSENGER RESTRICTIONS; ACCIDENT INVOLVEMENT; SENSATION-SEEKING; TEENAGE DRIVERS; NOVICE DRIVERS; PERSONALITY; ANGER; Ergonomics; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Social; Sciences, Interdisciplinary; Transportation

    Abstract

    The present study aims at identifying and quantifying significant factors (i.e., demographic, aberrant driving behavior) associated with young drivers' involvement in at-fault crashes or traffic citations at the ages of 16-17 (while having the Operational License) and 18-24 years old (while having the Full License). A second objective was to investigate the main reason(s) for involvement in risky driving behavior by young drivers. The data used for the analyses were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire survey carried out among 680 young drivers in Central Florida. To achieve these goals, the structural equation modeling approach was adopted. The results revealed that aggressive violations, in-vehicle distractions and demographic characteristics were the significant factors affecting young drivers' involvement in at-fault crashes or traffic violations at the age of 16-17. However, in-vehicle distractions, attitudes toward speeding and demographic characteristics were the significant factors affecting young drivers' crash risk at 18-24. Additionally, the majority of participants reported that "running late" is the main reason for taking risk while driving (i.e., speeding, accept short gaps, or drive so close to the car in front) followed by "racing other cars". Additionally, "exceed speed limits" was the main reason for receiving traffic citations at 16-17 and 18-24 age groups. Practical suggestions on how to reduce crash risk and promote safe driving among young drivers are also discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Accident Analysis and Prevention

    Volume

    50

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    361

    Last Page

    370

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000314191600042

    ISSN

    0001-4575

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