Behavioural Factors Associated with Road Safety Practices Among Young Drivers in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32890/jtom2026.21.2.30820Keywords:
Young driver, driver behaviour, traffic rules violation, road safety, perceived behavioural controlAbstract
This study examines behavioural factors associated with road safety practices among young drivers in Malaysia. Young drivers are commonly linked to higher road accident risk due to limited driving experience, risk-taking tendencies, and unsafe driving practices. Specifically, this study investigates the relationships between speeding driving behaviour, driver distraction activities, traffic rules violation, and young drivers’ behaviour toward road safety. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to young drivers in Selangor, Johor, and Perak. A total of 384 valid responses were analysed using inferential tests which include independent sample t-test, and Pearson correlation analysis. The independent sample t-test shows no significant difference in young drivers’ behaviour based on gender. The Pearson correlation results indicate that speeding driving behaviour, driver distraction activities, and traffic rules violation are significantly and positively associated with young drivers’ behaviour toward road safety. Among the three variables, traffic rules violation recorded the strongest correlation, followed by driver distraction activities and speeding driving behaviour. These findings suggest that risky driving practices remain important behavioural issues among young drivers in Malaysia. The study highlights the need for continuous road safety education, targeted awareness campaigns, and stronger enforcement strategies to reduce unsafe driving behaviour among young drivers.
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