The research initiated from an interest in the area of young drivers and early onset of driving. Many young people who live in a rural or semi rural environment start to drive cars and other vehicles at a very early age, often to help with tasks around a property. Although this research is limited to rural New South Wales, it is anticipated that the findings will have relevance not only to other rural areas within Australia, but also to comparable situations worldwide, or example in US and Canada. In order to gain a deeper insight into these issues, focus groups were held in the three towns. These were with young people, of both sexes and in the age group from 15-21, and also with some adults who were to be supervising drivers for young family members about to start driving on roads as “L” drivers. From the results of the quantitative section of the study, it will be possible to identify factors which may influence or predict driving behaviours and attitudes to driving in young people in a rural or semi rural environment. It will also be possible to identify their personal driving experiences and reasons for these, and their profiles in relation to age, sex, where they grew up, and intentions for continuing with their education. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217612.
Samenvatting