Files and links (2)
Accepted VersionCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Research Statement (supplemental)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
“I would have lost the respect of my friends and family if they knew I had bent the road rules”: Parents, peers, and the perilous behaviour of young drivers
Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, Vol.28, pp.1-13
2015
Abstract
Young novice drivers are at considerable risk of injury on the road. Their behaviour appears vulnerable to the social influence of their parents and friends. The nature and mechanisms of parent and peer influence on young novice driver (16-25 years) behaviour was explored via small group interviews (n = 21) and two surveys (n1 = 1170, n2 = 390) to inform more effective young driver countermeasures. Parental and peer influence occurred in pre-Licence, Learner, and Provisional (intermediate) periods. Pre-Licence and unsupervised Learner drivers reported their parents were less likely to punish risky driving (e.g., speeding). These drivers were more likely to imitate their parents and reported their parents were also risky drivers. Young novice drivers who experienced or expected social punishments from peers, including 'being told off' for risky driving, reported less riskiness. Conversely drivers who experienced or expected social rewards such as being 'cheered on' by friends - who were also more risky drivers - reported more risky driving including crashes and offences. Interventions enhancing positive influence and curtailing negative influence may improve road safety outcomes not only for young novice drivers, but for all persons who share the road with them. Parent-specific interventions warrant further development and evaluation including: modelling safe driving behaviour by parents; active monitoring of driving during novice licensure; and sharing the family vehicle during the intermediate phase. Peer-targeted interventions including modelling of safe driving behaviour and attitudes; minimisation of social reinforcement and promotion of social sanctions for risky driving also need further development and evaluation.
Details
- Title
- “I would have lost the respect of my friends and family if they knew I had bent the road rules”: Parents, peers, and the perilous behaviour of young drivers
- Authors
- Bridie Scott-Parker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and BusinessB Watson (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyM J King (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyM K Hyde (Author) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, Vol.28, pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Pergamon
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.trf.2014.10.004
- ISSN
- 1369-8478; 1369-8478
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2015. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448716402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
161 File views/ downloads
1015 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychology, Applied
- Transportation
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites