The association between risk-taking behavior and the use of safety devices in adolescents

The purpose of this research study was to measure the association between risk taking behavior in adolescents and their use of safety devices. The study focused on three safety devices: seat belts, motorcycle helmets, and bicycle helmets. This is a secondary data analysis using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The results of this study indicate that risky behavior in adolescents is associated with their non-use of safety devices. In general, risky behavior was more associated with the non-use of seatbelts than the use of other safety devices. The results of this study suggest that a comprehensive approach to reducing risky behaviors in adolescent should be considered when planning injury prevention programs.