Crew resource management training and young driver safety

Compared to other age groups, young novice drivers have a higher risk of being involved in road crashes. Recent research has indicated that, depending on certain passenger and driver characteristics, passengers can have either a positive or negative influence on driver behaviour and also that the principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM) training might be beneficial in addressing some of the problems associated with young driver behaviour when in the presence of passengers. This paper describes a program of research that was undertaken in order to investigate the potential application of CRM training principles within young driver training programs in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a jurisdiction located in South-East Australia. The findings indicate that the application of CRM principles within young driver training is a viable concept to pursue, and that such interventions have the potential to significantly enhance the positive, and reduce the negative effects of passengers on young driver behaviour. In conclusion to this research, a set of recommendations for the development of an ACT-based trial young driver CRM training program are proposed, and recommendations for further research regarding CRM and driver training are discussed.