In Australia road injuries are a major cause of death and disability. This situation applies particularly for young males whose mortality rates are above the national average. The deaths of so many healthy young people is tragic, pointless and inexplicable. Most galling are traffic injuries associated with the risky behaviours of speeding, and driving intoxicated, without a seat-belt, in unsafe or overcrowded vehicles. Road safety interventions have struggled to address these activities of youth through education, enforcement and community initiatives. Many theoretical approaches exist to explain youth risk-taking. These are based on genetic biological, psychological and social explanations. In recent years, risky behaviours have been viewed as serving another purpose. Risk-taking is seen as a means for youth to learn and understand the adult world which they are entering; to appreciate their own potential and to know the meanings, threats and benefits of their external environment. To resolve the enigmas of youth risk-taking behaviours, this study sought to understand two issues. First, the research investigated the place of the automobile in the lives of youth, by learning of the health and road safety needs of young people. Second, this project examined the ability of youth to meet their own health needs and to act collectively to reduce their local risk of road injuries. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E202275.
Abstract