Research into the attitudes and behaviour of adolescent road users (11-16 years old) commissioned by the UK Department for Transport is described. A questionnaire concerning behaviour, health/safety beliefs, exposure, and demographic variables was developed from a pilot research project with children. Schools in large urban areas, small urban areas and rural areas were used in the study, with a good spread of school academic ability obtained. Pupils aged 11-12, 13-14 and 15-16 took part, with similar numbers of males and females. 14.2% of the variance related to unsafe road crossing practices, 12.2% of the variance was explained by play/social activity in the road, and 8.2% by protective behaviour (e.g. wearing bright clothing when cycling after dark). Predictors of behaviour factor scale scores showed that responsibility beliefs were by far the strongest predictors of unsafe road crossing behaviour. Frequency of being accompanied by friends and their age was the next strongest predictor. Adolescents who went out alone more often, without parents, or who went out frequently were also more at risk. Older adolescents were more likely to indulge in unsafe behaviours than younger adolescents. Rural respondents were more likely to play in the road but also planned protective behaviour more often than urban respondents.
Abstract