| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 587573 | Journal of Safety Research | 2012 | 6 Pages |
IntroductionWe wished to determine the extent to which number of passengers, driver age, and sex were associated with aggressive driving actions (ADAs) in young drivers involved in a fatal crash.MethodsWe used U.S. fatal-crash data from Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 1991 –2008. Proxy measures of aggressive driving included ADA presence and speed differential (posted speed limit minus estimated travel speed). We examined the odds of an ADA and speed differential in young drivers (aged 16 to 25) by passenger status.ResultsCompared to driving alone young drivers (aged 16) had increased odds of an ADA between 14% (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07; 1.22) and 95% (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.40; 2.74) when accompanied by one and five passengers, respectively. Further, carrying a higher number of passengers was a stronger predictor of speeding in younger drivers.ConclusionsThis study supports the use of graduated licensing approaches. Specifically, developing interventions to reduce aggressive driving appear imperative.Impact on IndustryWhile the results of our study support the use of graduated licensing approaches there is room for improvement. Our study indicates that tackling impaired driving is not sufficient to drastically reduce aggressive driving among the youngest drivers. Further research on young drivers is required to understand the influence of peers and the role of gender on driving behavior. Strategies to reduce aggressive driving behaviors among the youngest drivers may not only prevent crashes during their early driving careers but may also translate into a reduced crash risk over their lifetime.
► We examined the impact of passengers on young drivers committing aggressive driving actions prior to involvement in a fatal crash. ► The presence of passengers was associated with increased odds of a young driver (aged 16) committing an aggressive driving action between 14% (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07;1.22) and 95% (OR: 1.95; 95%CI:1.40;2.74) when accompanied by one and five passengers respectively. ► Further, carrying a higher number of passengers was a strong predictor of speeding in younger drivers. ► Novice drivers, especially males, had increased odds of driving aggressively in the presence of passengers compared to drivers with a few more years of driving experience. Not wearing a seat-belt was highly predictive of aggressive driving. ► The results of our study support the use of GLS and suggest that by age 25 young adults have drastically improved their driving habits.
