The authors investigated accident experiences among young adults in New Zealand in order to gain a better understanding of the role that lifestyle factors may play in the more serious injury accidents. In particular, they examined the extent to which behavioural factors, such as those identified as problem-behaviours (delinquent behaviour, negative consequences of drinking, smoking, marijuana use and greater sexual intercourse experience) were associated with crash risk. The hypothesis in this research was that young adults who report a disadvantaged background; more problem behaviours; more negative personality characteristics and engage in risky road traffic behaviours will have an increased risk of being involved in a subsequent motor vehicle traffic accident involving injury than those who do not report these characteristics.
Samenvatting