Predicting young, novice drivers’ intentions to install in-vehicle data recorders

•IVDR technology offers an under-researched but plausible road safety initiative.•Most novice drivers are uncommitted about installing IVDRs.•Theory of planned behaviour variables predict intentions to install an IVDR.•Subjective norms was the strongest, unique predictor of intentions.•Concerns about privacy of information was the biggest barrier to installing IVDR. In-Vehicle Data Recorders (IVDRs) encompass a broad range of technologies that record information about the movement, control, and performance of a vehicle during normal driving situations and have emerged as an objective and valid way to monitor, research, and influence driver behaviour as well as prevent crashes. However, little is known as to the likely intentions to install this technology among those who may benefit the most from it, young novice drivers (17–19 year olds). The current research (a) assessed the extent to which young drivers favour using IVDR technology, and (b) identified personal characteristics and social cognitive processes that underpin their intentions to install this technology. The research drew on past research into the personal correlates of crash involvement, and social cognitive models such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), to propose and test a predictive model of intentions to install an IVDR. Following an initial focus group phase, 424 novice drivers (220 males; age: M = 18.25, SD = 0.73) completed an anonymous online questionnaire measuring the study variables. Results suggested that most novice drivers are uncommitted about installing IVDRs in their cars, and most perceive weak, negative social pressure against the installation of IVDR technology. A regression model explained 55% of the variance in intentions to install an IVDR, with all three TPB variables, plus fear of the adverse consequence of not installing, identified as significant predictors. Concern about privacy of information was shown to be a major barrier to taking advantage of IVDR technology. The results provide insight into important beliefs and attitudes towards IVDRs and can be used to inform policy regarding an under-researched but plausible road safety initiative.