The purpose of this paper was to examine the relative importance of demographic and behavioural factors, as well as alcohol use, in motor vehicle crash (MVC)-related injuries in an adolescent sample. Data were collected from two samples of adolescents. In Study 1, a total of 1576 9th through 12th graders from three different high schools provided information on risk-taking behaviour and injuries experienced during the previous six months. Study 2 involved a more fine-grained analysis of behavioural factors related to MVC-related injuries. A sample of 573 adolescent males from an all-boys parochial school completed questionnaires assessing risk-taking, attention and behaviour problems, alcohol use, driving behaviour, and self-reported injury. Rates of self-reported MVC-related injuries for a 6-month period were consistent across the two studies, ranging from 10% in the mixed-gender sample to 16% in the all-male sample. Consistent with previous findings, males reported more frequent MVC-related injuries and higher rates of risk-taking behaviour. In Study 1, age and risk-taking behaviours were predictive of injuries while riding or driving in a car. In the all-male sample, risk-taking behaviour and conduct problems were significant predictors of MVC-related injuries. It is concluded that risk-taking is a consistent predictor of both general and MVC-related injuries. Intervention efforts with adolescents may be targeted at increasing safe driving strategies as well as decreasing risk-taking behaviours. (A)
Abstract