Comparison of novice and full-licenced driver common crash types in New South Wales, Australia, 2001–2011. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, R.J.; Senserrick, T.; Bambach, M.R.; Mattos, G.
• Is Part Of: Accident analysis and prevention. Volume 81(2015)
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 210
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Young driver -- Injury severity -- Driver's licence; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prévention -- Périodiques; 363.106
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2015.04.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-4575

Abstract

Highlights: Examination of crash and injury risk factors between novice and full-licenced drivers. Population-based linked police-reports and hospitalisation administrative data. Crash characteristics between novice and full-licence drivers were similar with most common crash types. Abstract: Objective: To examine the circumstances of passenger vehicle crashes for novice licenced drivers aged 17–25 years and to compare the crash circumstances of the most common crash types for novices to a sample of full-licence drivers aged 40–49 years. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted of passenger vehicle crashes involving novice and full-licenced drivers during 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2011 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Results: There were 4113 injurious crashes of novice drivers. Almost half the novice driver crashes involved a single vehicle. Vehicle speed (33.2%), fatigue (15.6%) and alcohol (12.6%) were identified risk factors in novice driver crashes. Correspondence analysis for 4 common crash types for novice drivers revealed that the crash characteristics between novice and full-licenced drivers were similar. Conclusions: Similarities exist between novice driver and full-licenced driver crash risk for common crash types. Preventive strategies aimed at crash risk reduction for novice drivers may also benefit all drivers.