Abstract
Teenage passengers might influence risky driving, particularly in certain mental states. Notably, social exclusion could increase social conformity. Two studies examined simulated intersection management among young drivers after a social exclusion activity (Cyberball). In Study 1 [112 males (mean = 17.3 years)], risky driving was significantly greater among excluded males driving with a risk-accepting vs. passive passenger; no effect of social exclusion. In Study 2 [115 females (mean = 17.1 years)], risky driving was significantly greater among excluded females driving with a risk-accepting vs. a passive passenger, and greater among those included (fair play) vs. excluded when driving with a risk-accepting passenger. Risky driving behavior among male and female teenagers may be influenced uniquely by passenger norms and social exclusion.
Highlights
IntroductionHigh crash rates among novice teenage drivers are thought to be due to deficiencies in driving skill and judgment due to young age (Twisk and Stacey, 2007), inexperience; (McKnight and McKnight, 2003; Simons-Morton et al, 2011), and risky driving behavior (Williams, 2003; Curry et al, 2011; Simons-Morton et al, 2011, 2015; Peake et al, 2013)
As a check on randomization we assessed at baseline, before any treatment group manipulation or simulated driving, measures of self-esteem, susceptibility to peer pressure, risky driving behavior, social status, and sensation seeking, none which differed by group
Identical trials were conducted separately with males and females, in which participants were randomized to one of three treatment conditions allowing evaluation of the following research questions about simulated risky driving: (a) What is the effect of exposure to a risk accepting or passive passenger after social exclusion? (b) What is the effect of social exclusion or social inclusion when exposed to a risk accepting passenger? We discuss the findings for each trial in relation to each research question
Summary
High crash rates among novice teenage drivers are thought to be due to deficiencies in driving skill and judgment due to young age (Twisk and Stacey, 2007), inexperience; (McKnight and McKnight, 2003; Simons-Morton et al, 2011), and risky driving behavior (Williams, 2003; Curry et al, 2011; Simons-Morton et al, 2011, 2015; Peake et al, 2013). Risky driving among teenagers is thought to vary according to driving conditions, including passenger presence (Ouimet et al, 2015; Simons-Morton and Ouimet, 2017). A recent systematic review found relatively consistent evidence for an association between passenger presence and fatal crash outcomes, with odds ratios ranging from 1.24 to 1.89 across studies, increasing to 1.70–2.92 for two or more passengers, and with higher risk among male than female drivers and younger versus older young drivers (Ouimet et al, 2015). Teenage passenger presence was inconsistently associated with crash risk in studies that examined non-fatal or the combination of fatal and non-fatal crashes (Ouimet et al, 2015), which are vastly more prevalent, Teen Passengers and Risky Driving if less harmful, than fatal crashes. A tentative conclusion of the systematic review was that crash risk in the presence of teen passengers might be higher or lower depending on characteristics of the driver and the passenger
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