The purpose of this research study was to measure the association between risk taking behaviour in adolescents and their use of safety devices. The study focused on three safety devices: seat belts, motorcycle helmets, and bicycle helmets. This is a secondary data analysis using data from the Youth Risk Behaviour Survey (YRBS) conducted in the USA by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The results of the study indicate that risky behaviour in adolescents is associated with their non-use of safety devices. In general, risky behaviour was more associated with the non- use of seatbelts than the use of other safety devices. The results of the study suggest that a comprehensive approach to reducing risky behaviours in adolescents should be considered when planning injury prevention programs. (Author/publisher)
Abstract