Bridie Scott-Parker1, 2, 3
1. Adolescent Risk Research Unit (ARRU) , Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience–Thompson Institute, University of the Sun-shine Coast, Birtinya Queensland 4575, Australia; 2. School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Business, and Law (FABL) , University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya Queensland 4575, Australia; 3. Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya Queensland 4575, Australia

Abstract： Young novice driver road safety remains an intractable problem; independently-licensed young drivers with access to their own vehicle at greatest risk on the road. Moreover, vehicle safety is a critical factor in the sur-vivability of road crashes for all road users, including the vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users such as cy-clists and pedestrians. To better understand vehicle choice, and therefore to gain insight into where young novice drivers weigh vehicle safety amid other considerations, teens from two Australian states were given the opportunity to design their ‘perfect car’. The findings have intervention implications for young novice driver injury prevention and safety promotion specifically, and for drivers of all ages and driving experience more generally. Teens rated features other than safety very highly in their ‘perfect car’, and it is likely these non-safety-focused features simi-larly rate highly in vehicle purchase decisions. Parents and teens alike need to be educated regarding risks associat-ed with non-safety-focused features–and benefits associated with safety features–with consideration of insurance or other incentives for purchasing and driving safer vehicles. Such incentives and education should target drivers (and passengers) of all ages more generally. In addition, the methodology is also an innovative means by which to en-gage with intervention targets, revealing potential messaging avenues for a particularly vulnerable population.

Keywords： young novice driver; teen driver; vehicle; safety; intervention; vehicle purchase decisions