Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Title
The association between early life disadvantage and engagement of risky driving behavior
Abstract
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for drivers across the lifespan.
Fatal crashes have been increasing in Kentucky in recent years, despite less motor vehicle travel
during pandemic lockdowns. Kentucky is unique to many other states in that a disproportionately
high percentage of its population is subjected to early life disadvantage (e.g., family financial
insecurity, abuse), making it one of the top 10 worst states for early life adversity and
disadvantage. It’s also unique to other states because of its burdensome social determinants of
health (SDoH) profile. Unknown is how early life disadvantage may predispose individuals to
engage in risky driving behaviors, and the extent to which early life disadvantage exacerbates
disparities attributed to SDoH, also contributing to risky driving behaviors. The purpose of this
study is to use engineering, health equity, and gerontology to understand how early life
disadvantage and SDoH contribute to risky driver behaviors and crash risk across the lifespan.
Specifically, we will examine community-level indicators and individuals’ lived experience to
understand how interactions between the individual, their social and environmental context, and
roadway characteristics influence crash risk and risk-taking behaviors behind the wheel.
The impact of my research will help contribute to the improvement of state resource allocation to
help vulnerable road users and communities avoid engagement in risky driving behaviors,
thereby reducing injury and fatality from serious crashes on Kentucky roadways. This includes
identifying communities in need of support, identifying safety countermeasures, and facilitating
the allocation of resources and interventions.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 11/28/23 → 8/31/24 |
Funding
- Department of Transportation: $5,000.00
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