The purpose of this study was to examine the relative importance of demographic and behavioural factors, as well as alcohol use, in motor vehicle crash (MVC)—related injuries in an adolescent sample. Data were collected from two samples of adolescents. In Study 1, a total of 1576 9th through 12th graders from three different high schools provided information on risk-taking behaviour and injuries experienced during the previous six months. Study 2 involved a more fine-grained analysis of behavioural factors related to MVC-related injuries. A sample of 573 adolescent males from an all-boys parochial high school completed questionnaires assessing risk-taking, attention and behaviour problems, alcohol use, driving behaviour, and self-reported injury. Rates of self-reported MVC-related injuries for a 6-month period were consistent across the two studies, ranging from 10% in the mixed-gender sample to 16% in the all-male sample. Consistent with previous findings, males reported more frequent MVC-related injuries and higher rates of risk-taking behaviour. In Study 1, age and risk-taking behaviours were predictive of injuries while riding or driving in a car. In the all-male sample, risk-taking behaviour and conduct problems were significant predictors of MVC-related injuries. It is concluded that risk-taking is a consistent predictor of both general and MVC-related injuries. Intervention efforts with adolescents may be targeted at increasing safe driving strategies as well as decreasing risk-taking behaviours. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting