Exploring the Factors Influencing the Safety of Young Novice Drivers: A Qualitative Approach Based on Grounded Theory

Risky driving behaviors of young novice drivers and related crashes pose not only a threat to road safety but also a significant challenge to sustainable development. The high rate of traffic crashes involving young drivers leads to substantial losses in human capital, productivity, and labor, which are irreparable and place a strain on societal resources. Addressing the safety issues of this vital group in society is crucial for promoting the long-term social and economic sustainability of communities. Despite this, studies have lacked a comprehensive explanation of the safety issues surrounding young novice drivers. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify factors affecting the safety of young novice drivers in Iran, a developing country with a significant young population. The study uses a qualitative approach that is built on grounded theory to reveal the model. The statistical population of the study is specialists, experts, and researchers in the field of road safety who are spread across Iran. The data collection phase was realized through the conduction of semi-structured interviews with 36 of them, and the analysis process was continued until complete theoretical saturation was achieved. The research data were then analyzed using the coding method based on the systematic design of Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. Finally, the categories were organized into seventeen subcategories within the six dimensions of the paradigm model: main category (three subcategories), causal factors (three subcategories), contextual factors (three subcategories), strategies (two subcategories), environmental conditions (three subcategories), and consequences (three subcategories). These findings not only provide a deep understanding of the safety issues faced by young novice drivers but also offer strategies that can contribute to improving road safety, thereby fostering social sustainability. Enhancing driver safety is crucial for reducing the economic and social costs of road crashes, which aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development by preserving human capital and societal well-being.