If Nuisance Driving is ‘…A Whole Lot of Fun,’ What can be Done to Prevent it?

Abstract As part of a wider study that examined nuisance (hoon) driving in Victoria, Australia, this paper examines the perspectives of hoon drivers and key informants, whose work intersects with hoon driving, to consider why people engage in hoon driving, and what can be done to deter and prevent it. As part of multi-modal study, this paper draws from an online survey ( n = 1,209), focus groups ( n = 18), and deterrence focused insights derived from interviews ( n = 34) with representatives from government agencies, councils, emergency services, and driving-related organisations. The findings identify a potential misalignment between the reported motivations of hoon drivers (it’s fun, enjoyable, and social), and the perceptions of non-hoon drivers (it’s illicit and dangerous), which may affect assumptions about effective enforcement, deterrents and other prevention measures. Despite the increasing reach and severity of law enforcement activities and associated penalties, hoon driving, particularly when spontaneous, is difficult to prevent. This points to the need for consideration of different approaches, centring place-based, localised responses developed with high levels of community engagement. Education and awareness programs should be expanded, with a focus on known and demonstrable harms (environmental damage, noise, and the costs of clean-up) rather than assumed but largely unquantified safety risks.