The Analysis of Spatial Patterns and Significant Factors Associated with Young-Driver-Involved Crashes in Florida

Over the last three decades, traffic crashes have been one of the leading causes of fatalities and economic losses in the U.S.; compared with other age groups, this is especially concerning for the youth population (those aged between 16 and 24), mostly due to their inexperience, greater inattentiveness, and riskier behavior while driving. This research intends to investigate this issue around selected Florida university campuses. We employed three methods: (1) a comparative assessment for three selected counties using both planar Euclidean Distance and Roadway Network Distance-based Kernel Density Estimation methods to determine high-risk crash locations, (2) a crash density ratio difference approach to compare the maxima-normalized crash densities for the youth population and those victims that are 25 and up, and (3) a logistic regression approach to identify the statistically significant factors contributing to young-driver-involved crashes. The developed GIS maps illustrate the difference in spatial patterns of young-driver crash densities compared to those for other age groups. The statistical findings also reveal that intersections around university areas appear to be significantly problematic for youth populations, regardless of the differences in the general perspective of the characteristics of the selected counties. Moreover, the speed limit countermeasures around universities could not effectively prevent young-driver crash occurrences. Hence, the results of this study can provide valuable insights to transportation agencies in terms of pinpointing the high-risk locations around universities, assessing the effectiveness of existing safety countermeasures, and developing more reliable plans with a focus on the youth population.

Young Driver Emotions Relate To Their Intention To Engage In Cellphone Distraction

Young drivers’ disproportionate involvement in road crashes due to cellphone distractions calls for remedial programs. Development of such programs requires an understanding of the reasons behind engagement in distractions and identifying factors to leverage, such as emotions. This investigation sought to determine how young drivers’ intention to engage in cellphone distractions is associated with negative emotions. An online survey was administered to 99 young drivers (18 to 25). Participants rated their intention to engage in cellphone distractions while driving and their anticipation of negative emotions while doing so. Our results showed an association between anticipating negative emotions and the intention to engage in cellphone distractions while driving. There was no difference between males and females in their reported intention. However, females reported greater anticipation of negative emotions compared to males. These findings have implications for emotion-based manipulations aimed at reducing distracted driving among young drivers.

Identifying Interactive Factors That May Increase Crash Risk Between Young Drivers and Trucks: A Narrative Review

Sharing the road with trucks is associated with increased risk of serious injury and death for passenger vehicle drivers. However, the onus for minimising risk lies not just with truck drivers; other drivers must understand the unique performance limitations of trucks associated with stopping distances, blind spots, and turning manoeuverability, so they can suitably act and react around trucks. Given the paucity of research aimed at understanding the specific crash risk vulnerability of young drivers around trucks, the authors employ a narrative review methodology that brings together evidence from both truck and young driver road safety research domains, as well as data regarding known crash risks for each driving cohort, to gain a comprehensive understanding of what young drivers are likely to know about heavy vehicle performance limitations, where there may be gaps in their understanding, and how this could potentially increase crash risk. We then review literature regarding the human factors affecting young drivers to understand how perceptual immaturity and engagement in risky driving behaviours are likely to compound risk regarding both the frequency and severity of collision between trucks and young drivers. Finally, we review current targeted educational initiatives and suggest that simply raising awareness of truck limitations is insufficient. We propose that further research is needed to ensure initiatives aimed at increasing young driver awareness of trucks and truck safety are evidence-based, undergo rigorous evaluation, and are delivered in a way that aims to (i) increase young driver risk perception skills, and (ii) reduce risky driving behaviour around trucks.

Exploring Young Drivers’ Perceptions of Procedurally Just Policing

The procedural justice approach to policing may be an effective method of reducing young driver noncompliance with traffic laws. We undertook a qualitative study in two Australian states (Queensland and Victoria) to explore how procedural justice operates when police interact with young drivers. Metropolitan and regional focus groups were conducted (n = 31, 45% male, 17–25 years), and transcripts coded against the four procedural justice elements: (a) neutrality, (b) respect, (c) voice, and (d) trust. Young drivers did not perceive neutral treatment; they felt targeted due to their provisional licence plate, their gender (male), and vehicle type. Despite this, young drivers reported their interactions with police to be respectful, they were allowed to present their point of view (voice), and that police officers and agencies could be trusted. This has implications for how the procedural justice framework is conceptualized and operationalized, for it to be an effective tool for policing young drivers.