Road trauma is recognized as a serious problem both in Australia and internationally, particularly for younger drivers. Risky driving has been identified as an important contributor to road crashes, although it may be debated whether all risky behaviours are sufficiently similar to be explained by similar factors. The present study examined a range of demographic factors, personality factors, attitudes and beliefs (based in part on the Health Belief Model) in the prediction of speeding, drink-driving, driving while fatigued, and not wearing seat belts, for young drivers. Results illustrated that different risky driving behaviours were predicted by different factors. Speeding was predicted by gender, sensation seeking, driver anger, road-unrelated illusory invulnerability, general perceived susceptibility, and specific perceived susceptibility. Drink-driving was predicted by peer influence. Driving while fatigued was predicted by specific perceived susceptibility, as well as the perceived costs and perceived benefits associated with not driving while fatigued. Not wearing a seat belt was predicted by general perceived susceptibility. Overall, results suggest that future research should focus on a multi-factor framework for specific risky driving behaviours. Results may guide future young driver road safety messages and countermeasures for individual risky driving behaviours. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E215375.
Samenvatting