UWA phone app study to investigate improving road risk for younger drivers

Great Southern youths are being asked to participate in a University of WA study that will investigate how a mobile phone app could improve road safety in young drivers.

Scientists from UWA are seeking P-platers aged 17-20 in regional WA to participate in a study examining road behaviour in young drivers and whether a smartphone app that provides driving feedback could improve road safety in novice drivers.

Participants will be asked to complete a 15-minute phone survey; install an app on their phone that will provide feedback on speeding, braking, accelerating and other movements following their driving trips; and complete an online survey at the end of the eight-week study.

Lead researcher Dr Michelle Fraser from the WA Centre for Road Safety Research at UWA said young drivers were one of the most vulnerable road user groups so understanding their road behaviour was important.

“More than 100 young road users aged between 17 and 19 were killed or seriously injured in WA in 2019 alone, so it’s imperative that we change these statistics,” she said.

“Particularly in rural areas where vehicle speed limits are higher, and the roads are less forgiving, our young people are at high risk.

“This is why we are keen to conduct the study in regional areas in WA.”

To participate, visit bit.ly/3eZcHZL.