Investigating the Impact of Social Norm Messaging in Reducing Distracted Driving Behaviours in Young Adults

Michelle Nicolls

doi:10.25907/00888

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Dissertation

Investigating the Impact of Social Norm Messaging in Reducing Distracted Driving Behaviours in Young Adults

Michelle Nicolls

Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland

2024

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25907/00888

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Abstract

Social and personality psychology

hand-held phone use while driving

distracted driving

young drivers

social norm theroy

social norm approach

descriptive norm

injnctive norm

peer influence

behavioural change

messaging

Hand-held phone use while driving is a significant road safety issue. Despite the use of strategies to prevent hand-held phone use while driving (e.g., through legal sanctions and road safety messaging campaigns), drivers continue to engage in the behaviour, with the highest prevalence among young adults. As such, it is important to explore additional strategies to reduce this behaviour among this high-risk cohort. This program of work explored the utility of the social norm approach in reducing engagement in hand-held phone use while driving among young drivers. The overall aims of this research were to: (a) identify the relative influence of perceived social norms on young drivers’ engagement in hand-held phone use while driving, and (b) test the impact of the social norm approach in reducing young drivers’ engagement in hand-held phone use while driving.

Details

Title: Investigating the Impact of Social Norm Messaging in Reducing Distracted Driving Behaviours in Young Adults
Authors: Michelle Nicolls - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research Collaboration
Contributors: Kayla Stefanidis (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research Collaboration
Verity Truelove (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research Collaboration
Awarding institution: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Degree awarded: Doctor of Philosophy
DOI: 10.25907/00888
Grant note: This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (RTP Fees Offset). It was also supported by the University of the Sunshine Coast Research Scholarship (USCRS), funded by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.
Organisation Unit: Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991087892502621
Output Type: Dissertation

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