Modelling the factors related to the seatbelt use by the young drivers of Athens.

Road traffic accidents in Greece are one of the major problems of the public health sector and the first cause of death in the ages 18-24. However, there are no records available for defining the determinants of road accidents and seatbelt wearing rates. The main objective of this study is to determine and clarify the relationship between young drivers' intentions (motivation to use/non use seatbelt) and their behaviour (self-reported use). Additionally, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the seatbelt wearing rates among young drivers in relation to their trip-type. The sample consisted of 200 young Greek drivers of both sexes. The statistical analysis included factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. The seatbelt use was measured in relation with seven trip-types. Through factor analysis, a seven factor scale of seatbelt use and a four factor scale of seatbelt non use were created which included Greek young drivers' basic motivations for wearing or not wearing a seatbelt. A model, constructed by the multiple regression analysis, revealed the factors related with the seatbelt use. The factors positively related were 'imitation', 'self-protection', and 'legality'. The factor of 'discomfort' is negatively associated with the seatbelt use. Furthermore, mileage was negatively related with seatbelt use. Finally, some preliminary suggestions on how prevention strategies should be implemented in Greece are discussed.

The impact of young drivers' lifestyle on their road traffic accident risk in greater Athens area.

Young drivers (18-24) both in Greece and elsewhere appear to have high rates of road traffic accidents. Many factors contribute to the creation of these high road traffic accidents rates. It has been suggested that lifestyle is an important one. The main objective of this study is to find out and clarify the (potential) relationship between young drivers' lifestyle and the road traffic accident risk they face. Moreover, to examine if all the youngsters have the same elevated risk on the road or not. The sample consisted of 241 young Greek drivers of both sexes. The statistical analysis included factor analysis and logistic regression analysis. Through the principal component analysis a ten factor scale was created which included the basic lifestyle traits of young Greek drivers. The logistic regression analysis showed that the young drivers whose dominant lifestyle trait is alcohol consumption or drive without destination have high accident risk, while these whose dominant lifestyle trait is culture, face low accident risk. Furthermore, young drivers who are religious in one way or another seem to have low accident risk. Finally, some preliminary observations on how health promotion should be put into practice are discussed.