Study of Current Factors Affecting Road Safety for 16-18 Year Old Novice Drivers in the Wingecarribee Shire

• Published in: Journal of Road Safety
• Main Author: Sue Tyler
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australasian College of Road Safety 2015-11-01
• Online Access: https://journalofroadsafety.org/article/32089-study-of-current-factors-affecting-road-safety-for-16-18-year-old-novice-drivers-in-the-wingecarribee-shire

Young novice drivers in the first six months of their provisional licence phase have higher crash and fatality rates which are disproportionate to other road users (Bates, Watson and King, 2006). The 'Rotary U Turn the Wheel' road safety program was developed to educate novice drivers of these risks, changes in attitude and behaviour, and to support the school curriculum in this area of road safety. Approximately 822 Year 11 students across the Wingecarribee Shire whose ages range from 16 —18 were surveyed during the 2013 — 2014 period at the annual `U Turn the Wheel' event. The survey aimed to benchmark issues and factors that impact both positively and negatively on road safety for 16 — 18 year old novice drivers. The survey was anonymous which allowed students to candidly discuss issues that affected their driving experiences as well as personal issues that may also affect road safety in this vulnerable group without fear of any negative consequence. Factors discussed in the survey included their involvement in accidents or infringements; high risk behaviours; media advertising and its effect; personal drug use; medication; as well as any medical issues that could affect their driving ability. The study results will form the basis of an educational review of the U Turn the Wheel program to ensure best practices are employed in the program and teaching content is current and relevant to the target audience.