Factors associated with travel speeds of young novice drivers: A systematic review

Abstract

Young drivers are over-represented in crashes involving excess speed, with driving inexperience a known contributing factor, but not always accounted for in research investigations. This project aimed to systematically review literature on factors contributing to young novice drivers’ travel speeds. Two authors searched four databases: Embase, Scopus, transportation research information database and web of science. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to select speed-related studies of drivers who were both young (aged 15–24 years) and novices (newly-licensed). Included studies examined factors directly or indirectly associated with travel speed in the “everyday” driving of passenger car-type vehicles, published in English in years 2012–2022. Of 2680 records, removing duplicates and screening resulted in 106 eligible studies, from which 26 were selected, and rated mostly of strong or moderate quality. Factors associated with driving too fast included factors relating to the individual young driver: lower global cognitive functioning, higher impulsivity and risk propensity, alcohol use, and perceptions of police speed enforcement methods as unjust. Additional social factors were having risky friends (generally), driving with passengers (adults or peers), driver-passenger mood, and some phone use. Driving environment factors were inner urban and highway settings, rural roads close-to-home and clear weather. Lower speeds were associated with hazard perception training, a parent-directed intervention when first driving independently and (weakly) viewing medical dramas. Searching roadside signs, texting, and being sleep deprived were also associated with lower speeds, but in ways that increased crash risk. The results provide insights to strengthen or develop new education programs, graduated licensing systems, and other interventions to assist young novice drivers develop and maintain safer speed management skills. Further research also is needed into the effectiveness of more general speeding countermeasures, such as speed management vehicle technologies and infrastructure treatments, specifically with young novice drivers.