Comparisons in Crash Rate and risky Behaviors between Novice Drivers and Experienced Drivers in China

Studies across many western countries have noted that driver experience is associated with crash risk. However, there are few studies conducted in China where driving patterns tend to be quite different. This paper uses crash fatality data from China for the year 2016 to examine the likelihood of crash involvement given driving experience. Driver behaviors contributing to crashes are investigated and compared among drivers' groups with more or less driving experience. The results reveal that the least experienced drivers have the highest crash rate, a crash rate that is approximately twice that of the crash rate of experienced drivers (> 3 years). Regarding fatal crashes, failing to yield and speeding are the most common risky behaviors by all drivers, no matter how experienced they are. The novice drivers' group has the largest crash number, but the proportions of risky behaviors for the groups with different driving experience are similar. A significantly large proportion of drivers with less than one year's driving experience are related to alcohol impairment and reversely driving. The conclusions may provide some implications for the related crash prevention and safety guidance for novice drivers.