NCJ Number
111238
Journal
Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1988) Pages: 1-7
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews what is known about the causes of youth vehicle crashes, describes choices to be faced in designing intervention programs, and outlines the information needed to design intervention programs.
Abstract
Progress in attempts to reduce youth traffic casualties include the study of grassroots programs, an analysis of the social context of risky driving by youth, and the formulation of self-report measures which serve as proxy outcome measures for actual driving behavior. Several research gaps remain. There is a need for high base-rate measures such as traffic-accident property damage and nonfatal crashes. There has been some progress in developing self-report measures, but these need validation. There is also need for rigorous evaluation of intervention strategies and investigation and intervention with respect to youth traffic casualties not related to alcohol/drug use. Also, little is known about the context of risky driving, particularly among 21-to 24-year-olds and of nonalcoholic drug-related crashes. Recent research suggests that intervention must be carefully targeted according to the age, subcultural groups, and other characteristics of the target group. Given the apparent continuation of risky driving practices into young adulthood, it is important to research the internalization of norms related to safe driving. 27 references. (Author summary modified)