This presentation provides an overview of research investigating Australian parents'
engagement with rideshare services, including UberTeen, for transporting children and
adolescents. The study examines parents' practices regarding restraint use, adherence to
legal and safety requirements, and perceptions of risk within the context of rideshare
travel. Additionally, it explores the factors influencing parental willingness to permit
unaccompanied travel for children and adolescents via emerging transport modes,
including rideshare services and automated vehicles.
The findings reveal associations between parental attitudes, self-reported risky driving
behaviours, and levels of technology readiness, which collectively shape decisions
about rideshare use. Furthermore, the research identifies critical gaps in knowledge and
challenges in accessing accurate information regarding appropriate restraint use and
broader safety measures in these contexts.
By addressing these issues, this research provides evidence to inform the development
of targeted interventions, policy recommendations, and industry guidelines to enhance
child and adolescent safety in evolving transportation environments. This presentation
will contribute to the growing discourse on the intersection of child and adolescent
mobility, parental decision-making, and safety in the rapidly advancing landscape of
shared and automated transport.