Young female drivers in New Zealand

Abstract

While a considerable amount is known about young male drivers both in New Zealand and overseas, research attention concerning female drivers of any age including those under the age of 25 has been far less prevalent. The present paper explores the reasons behind the historically low research interest in this population of road users, and seeks to provide information on the current status of young female drivers in New Zealand, with regard to both travel patterns and crash involvement statistics. The findings of the present study suggest that the exposure to risk of this group has increased with greater licensing and kilometreage. Increased crash involvement was identified for this group, a finding accentuated by the fact that this has occurred concurrent with a decrease in crash involvement of young male drivers. Drink driving patterns of this group are discussed, in response to the finding that the crash involvement and number of drink-drive convictions of females 15-24 have increased over time. Implications for research and countermeasures are outlined.