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

Kerry Ann Armstrong; Dale A Steinhardt

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

Journal article

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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

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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

Title: Understanding street racing and 'hoon' culture: An exploratory investigation of perceptions and experiences
Authors: Kerry Ann Armstrong (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Dale A Steinhardt (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Journal of the Australasian College of Road Safety, Vol.17(1), pp.38-44
Publisher: Australasian College of Road Safety
Date published: 2006
ISSN: 1832-9497; 1832-9497
Organisation Unit: Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450791902621
Output Type: Journal article
Research Statement: false

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