Influences on young drivers' reported driving behaviours and perceptions: a focus group study

Forty-four (25 females) Australian citizens aged 17-24 years, all holding a current driving licence, participated in six focus groups to discuss: personal factors – age, maturity and inexperience; and other factors (including safety campaigns) which could affect driving behaviours. Group discussions were audio taped and data analysis proceeded by grounded theory. Major themes were: intersections, parental influences, inexperience/inattention and safety campaigns. Several sub-themes associated with these major themes were extracted from information provided by participants. Prime influencing parties on early driving experiences are outlined and potential areas for material from this study to contribute to road safety are discussed.

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