Safe driving is cool – Project on young driver road traffic injury prevention, Croatia, 2018-2019

Abstract

Abstract Road traffic injury (RTI) is the leading cause of preventable death among youth in Split-Dalmatia County (SDC), Croatia, particularly males. The most of those who died in road traffic crashes in SDC are young novice drivers (18-24 years). The alcohol was key factor in young driver fatal crashes, often in combination with the drug abuse, driving inexperience, distractions and speeding. Adolescents lack sufficient knowledge about RTI prevention and reducing hazards. They are occupied with technical details and compliance with traffic rules and don't pay attention to importance of reducing their own risky behaviour. Our goal was to provide a better understanding of factors affecting driving safety among adolescents. The main outcome measure was rating of alcohol and/or drug abuse as main risk, understanding that injuries are preventable as well as RTI. The pilot project was realized in SDC during 2018-2019 through collaboration between Public Health Institute, Police Department and two high schools. The project included 122 students with an average age of 18.5 year. Initial survey results showed that students tended to take unnecessary risk in road traffic, furthermore 77.0% used cell phones, 62.3% earphones, and only 27.0% helmet while riding bike or motorcycle. Even 39.2% was driving intoxicated or was driven by intoxicated driver once (19.6%) or more times (19.6%). After conducting project, feedback survey results showed that students demonstrated better recognizing of hazards. They accepted injuries (94.3 vs 80.3%) and RTI (99.1 vs 72.9%) as preventable and understood the importance of traffic rules obey (92.6 vs 63.9%). Students understood the danger of intoxicated driving (74.6 vs 56.6%). Promoting safe-driver behaviour and providing new educational opportunity can encourage responsible driving behaviours among adolescents. Strengthening inter-sectoral collaboration is a key of success in achieving the reduction of mortality and morbidity among young drivers. Key messages Adolescent adapted method developed by joint effort is vital in promoting safe driving practice. Projects aiming to minimize risks in young drivers contribute to saving lives, they deserve to grow up.