Keep on cruising: Changes in lifestyle and driving style among male drivers between the age of 18 and 23

• Using a longitudinal design changes in leisure time and driving style among young male drivers were identified.
• The general life situation of the young male driver is highly related to driving behavior.
• Cruising is generally related to an extrovert lifestyle and problem behavior.
• At the age of 18 cruising is a common activity among newly licensed drivers.
• Continuing to cruise at the age of 23 is related to a lower level of education and maintenance of the lifestyle of an 18 year old.

Despite recent improvements in general road safety levels, young male drivers in most western countries continue to be overrepresented in road traffic accidents. Lifestyle related motivational factors are a key element in the young male driver problem. Based on 379 posted questionnaires completed by the same male drivers at the age of 18 and again at the age of 23, this study examined changes in the relationship between lifestyle and driving style over a 5 year period. A number of changes in car use, driving style and engagement in different leisure time activities were found. Cruising was related to an extrovert social life as well as problem behaviours such as drink driving. At the age of 18 cruising was a part of the normal social life of the majority of the participants. However, while most drivers reduced their level of cruising as well as related problem behaviour over time, a smaller group still showed a similar life style at the age of 23. The study confirmed the importance of lifestyle related motivational factors for driving behaviour among young drivers.