Exploring mobile tablet training for road safety: A uses and gratifications perspective

• Investigates a mobile tablet training program in a road safety context.
• Explains users' needs through Uses and Gratification Theory.
• Shows that information needs and preferences highly affect outcomes.
• The perception of user innovativeness substantially impacts outcomes.
• Demonstrates the significant role of multimedia effects on tablet-based training.

Traffic injuries are predicted to be the fifth leading cause of death and injury by 2030 if no further action is taken. Generation Y, who are growing up with technology and Internet, are among the most vulnerable road users, so it is crucial to provide effective road safety training for them. In the light of the Uses and Gratification Theory (U&G), we propose a conceptual research model to measure how users' different needs and gratifications with mobile technologies impact their learning outcomes. A field study with 182 young drivers who participated in a mobile road safety training program was conducted just before they took their license exam on site. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was utilized to test the research model. Perceived information needs, user preference, and innovativeness were found to have significant mediating relationships with user perceived multimedia enjoyment, and effectively promoted higher-order learning outcomes. The discussion focuses on the importance of designing multimedia content with the latest mobile technologies to effectively engage young users.