Hoon Driving Behaviour: Prevalence, Associated Characteristics and Crashes

The use of vehicles in an antisocial, ?loutish? and dangerous manner
constitutes the phenomenon of hooning, a risky behaviour with heightened concern
for Australian roads (Folkman, 2005; Jarred, 2002). The concern has been
highlighted by extensive media attention particularly from local newspapers within
Australian states and territories (see ?Hoons need for speed and danger?, 2006;
Ferguson, 2006; ?Hoons go for a joyride?, 2006). There has also been general
observations made by police and traffic groups as to the related components of
hooning (e.g. Folkman, 2005; Jarred, 2002) although the amount of accessible
published documents is minimal. Thus, hooning may lead to on road accidents and
warrants research to identify its related factors.