This study investigates the incidence, along with the effect, of driver and psychosocial factors on the likelihood of motor vehicle crashes. Seventeen-year-old newly licensed drivers in Perth, Western Australia, were recruited and followed over the first 12 months of driving. Using Cox proportional hazard analysis, driver and psychosocial factors were assessed to determine whether they predicted the likelihood of motor vehicle crash in the first 12 months of driving. The crash incidence rate was marginally higher for males than females. Multivariate analysis indicated that drivers who drove daily prior to obtaining their license were at an increased risk (between 75 percent and 100 percent greater risk) of motor vehicle crash in the first year of driving compared to drivers who had never, or drove infrequently before obtaining their license. Drivers who perceived themselves to be confident-adventurous were also at an elevated risk of crash involvement. The research indicates that psychosocial factors play a part in the causal pathway leading to a motor vehicle crash. This research points to the potential for preventive strategies that focus on behavioural attributes, as well as skill acquisition, in preparing young people for our roads. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E205827.
Abstract