Violations among young moped riders

Mette Møller, M.P. Hagenzieker

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractScientific

Abstract

Background

The risk of being seriously injured or killed is higher for moped riders compared to drivers of other motor vehicles. Existing knowledge indicate that traffic violations are of key importance in young moped riders crash involvement. Within the frame of the Theory of Planned Behavior the purpose of this study was to identify beliefs underlying engagement in violations among adolescent moped riders.

Method

Data was collected by means of focus group interviews. 35 moped riders aged 15-17 participated. In total four focus groups were conducted. A moderator facilitated the focus group interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Inspired by the procedure for belief elicitation studies the interview guide included key words to ensure elicitation of the behavioural beliefs underlying engagement in traffic violations (advantages/disadvantages), normative beliefs (persons approving/disapproving engagement in violations) and control beliefs (barriers/facilitators). The interviews were transcribed and the analysis was supported by coding in Atlas.ti.8.

Results

Five categories of violations were identified (illegal maneuvers, impaired riding, wrong location, lack of vehicle maintenance, non-use of mandatory safety equipment). With regard to the underlying behavioural beliefs a distinction between direct advantages (e.g. saving time, fun, convenience) and indirect advantages (e.g. avoid maintenance costs, avoid involving parents) was relevant. The disadvantages mainly included being apprehended by the police or being injured. Regarding the normative beliefs results revealed that engagement in violations was widely approved by friends as well as parents. Disapproval of violations was mainly believed to occur among persons disapproving moped riding. In relation to control beliefs police control was believed to be the key barrier. A strong belief in own ability to keep control of the moped despite engagement in violations was the key facilitator.

Conclusion

Engagement in violations among young moped riders provides several advantages and only few disadvantages. Violations are supported by friends and parents. Police control is a barrier for engagement in violations but compensated by a strong believe in own ability to handle the moped safely despite engagement in violations.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2022
EventICTTP 2022: International Conference on Traffic and Transport Psychology - Gothenburg, Sweden
Duration: 23 Aug 202225 Aug 2022

Conference

ConferenceICTTP 2022
Country/TerritorySweden
CityGothenburg
Period23/08/2225/08/22

Keywords

  • young moped riders

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Violations among young moped riders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this