Ms
Karen Schoots
Profile overview
I am an early career road safety researcher currently undertaking my PhD research at Queensland University of Technology – Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (QUT CARRS–Q). My current program of research is investigating the associations between learner driver mentoring programs (LDMPs) and disadvantaged novice drivers’ road safety behaviours, perceptions of police and procedural justice, and their feelings of social inclusion. This research incorporates assessing area differences in road safety between rural, regional, semi-remote and urban locations.
I study externally and live in a regional area of Queensland where I also work part-time in road safety as a LDMP coordinator for a not-for-profit organisation; PCYC - QLD’s Braking the Cycle program (https://www.pcyc.org.au/youth-and-community/personal-and-leadership-development/braking-the-cycle/).
Studying externally and living in a regional area has restricted my networking opportunities with like minded researchers but I have been developing personal networks with LDMP operators in other states of Australia since 2020. Additionally, after being inspired by a recent conference attendance, I am now in the process of instigating a learner driver mentoring program network between programs in Australia and New Zealand.
Research topics
Collaboration information
I am currently researching the associations of learner driver mentoring programs with the road safety intentions and behaviours, perceptions of police and procedural justice, and feelings of social inclusion on disadvantaged novice drivers.
In my Police-Citizens Youth Clubs role I train and coordinate voluntary mentors to supervise novice drivers so they are able accumulate the required practice driving hours needed to obtain a provisional licence. Due to various forms of disadvantage, the learner drivers are unable to receive and/or afford driving practice from other sources.