1672 Social, psychological and neurodevelopmental risk factors and road traffic accident’s involving young people

Objectives Young people aged 16–24 are at increased risk of serious injury from a road traffic accident (RTA). Studies often examine young people’s ‘risky’ driving behaviours as risk factors for RTA’s. However, few explore social, psychological and neurodevelopmental factors that may lead young people to engage in ‘risky’ behaviours. This study sought to examine the relationship between RTA’s, injuries sustained, and pre-existing social, psychological and neurodevelopmental risk factors. It was hoped a clearer understanding of risk factors can inform support practices, with a view to decreasing behaviours that can cause life-changing injuries. Methods 16 people (88% male) admitted to hospital following an RTA took part in this study. Ages ranged from 15 – 22 (M = 18.63, SD = 2.30). A youth worker used a questionnaire to explore their social, psychological and health history. Each interaction was coded for number of pre-existing social, psychological and neurodevelopmental risk factors (identified by RCPCH (2020) and Gicquel et al. (2017)). Injuries and whether a helmet was worn at time of RTA were also recorded. Excel was used to examine data. Results Table 1 shows that being ‘expelled, suspended from, or did not finish school’ was reported significantly more than any other risk factor. Number of risk factors for each person ranged from 0 – 6 (M = 2.31, SD = 1.66). Additionally, 50% of those riding motorbikes, bicycles or scooters were not wearing a helmet at time of accident. A Pearson correlation revealed a moderate positive relationship between number of pre-existing risk factors and number of injuries sustained, however this was not significant with r (14) = 0.35, p 0.18. Mean number of risk factors reported by those who were ‘expelled, suspended from, or did not finish school’ (n = 10, M = 3.30, SD = 1.06) was higher than for those who did not report this (n = 6, M = 0.66, SD = 1.03). The difference between means was significant, t (14) = 4.86, p Conclusions A high proportion of RTA’s appear to involve young males and those expelled, suspended from, or not finishing school. The latter cohort seem to have a higher number of other pre-existing risk factors, whilst their RTA’s may be more severe. This study demonstrates the necessity to recognise pre-existing risk factors that can increase risk of RTA’s and calls for a holistic approach to managing the educational and behavioural needs of young people if we are to decrease risk of RTA’s.