Logo image
Back
Understanding street racing and 'hoon' culture: An exploratory investigation of perceptions and experiences
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Understanding street racing and 'hoon' culture: An exploratory investigation of perceptions and experiences

Kerry Ann Armstrong and Dale A Steinhardt
Journal of the Australasian College of Road Safety, Vol.17(1), pp.38-44
2006
pdf
PDF - Published Version221.26 kBDownloadView
Published VersionPDF - Published Version Open Access
url
http://acrs.org.au/journals/february-2006-vol-17-no-1/View
Webpage

Abstract

Public Health and Health Services Transportation and Freight Services Psychology illegal street racing focus groups hoon culture
Street racing can take the form of spontaneous one-to-one racing or highly organised events, while "hooning" generally refers to activities such as burnouts or excessive acceleration. Recent media reports have highlighted the potential for fatalities or injuries and the public nuisance caused by these behaviours. Subsequently, formal "anti-hooning"legislation has been passed in four Australian states and New Zealand. In the last two years since the introduction of Queensland's 'anti-hoon' legislation, over 1500 vehicles have been impounded and over 4100 disturbance complaints registered. Official Queensland police reports have registered 169 'hooning' or racing crashes involving 12-24 year olds in the period 1999-2004. Current research suggests those involved are typically young males aged between 16 and 25. The current investigation used a combination of focus groups, e-mail responses and message board feedback to conduct an examination of the experiences and perceptions of young people in regards to 'hooning' behaviour and legislative reforms. It is proposed that the results can be used to inform existing legislation and the assist in the development of interventions from both a youth and Queensland Police Service perspective.

Details

Metrics

163 File views/ downloads
388 Record Views
Logo image