Preventing Injuries in Crashes Involving Young Drivers: Development and Evaluation of Impulse Control Training

Young drivers are overrepresented in crash statistics, partly because of their risk-taking. Some of the most serious risky driving results from youth development factors, such as poor impulse control. Driver training typically addresses inexperience, but it is increasingly recognised internationally that training that addresses driver immaturity may be more beneficial. This project aims to be the first to develop such training. We will design computer training tasks to accelerate the development of brain areas responsible for impulse control, and assess improvement of performance in these tasks and in driving. Results will improve understanding and management of youth risk-taking.