Research project aims to help young drivers

Feb 12, 2007

The University of Wollongong’s Centre for Social Marketing Research (CSMR) has launched a new research project which it hopes will help improve the safety of young drivers.

The project, led by the CSMR Director Dr Gary Noble, is investigating the role of parents in shaping young people’s attitudes and driving behaviour. Across Australia, young people in the 17-25 year-old age bracket comprise a disproportionate percentage of all road injuries and fatalities. Research in North America and Europe suggests parents may be an important – but under-used – influence in changing the underlying beliefs and values of young people that lead to unnecessary risk taking.

The UOW research has the support of Youthsafe, Wollongong City Council and Shellharbour City Council.

The project team is now seeking comments from the public.

Focus groups will be held during February, the first at Wollongong City Council on Monday February 19 at 5pm and Wednesday February 21 at 7pm.

Focus groups are also planned for the Shellharbour area.

The project team is seeking participation from learners and young drivers aged between 17 and 25 and their parents.

The discussion groups will gather comments from young drivers and their parents about:

• Parental influence on young people when they are learning to drive and after they gain P-plates and their licence

• communication between young people and parents about driving issues

• young driver risk behaviour

• road safety issues

• strategies to improve safety of young drivers

Participation is voluntary and all information will remain confidential. The sessions will run for about one hour.

All participants will receive a $30 gift card to cover their time and expenses.

Those wishing to participate should send their contact details to the following email address: csmr@uow.edu.au or phone (02) 4221 5537.

Media enquiries should be directed to Dr Gary Noble on (02) 4221 5994 or his mobile 0414418326

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128