Citation

Ross V, Jongen EM, Brijs K, Brijs T, Wets G. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2016; 93: 217-225.

Affiliation

Transportation Research Institute (IMOB), Hasselt University, Belgium. Electronic address: geert.wets@uhasselt.be.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aap.2016.05.007

PMID

27218409

Abstract

Prior studies indicated higher collision rates among young novice drivers with peer passengers. This driving simulator study provided a test for a dual process theory of risky driving by examining social rewards (peer passengers) and cognitive control (inhibitory control). The analyses included age (17-18 yrs, n=30; 21-24 yrs, n=20). Risky, distracting, and protective effects were classified by underlying driver error mechanisms. In the first drive, participants drove alone. In the second, participants drove with a peer passenger. Red-light running (violation) was more prevalent in the presence of peer passengers, which provided initial support for a dual process theory of risk driving. In a subgroup with low inhibitory control, speeding (violation) was more prevalent in the presence of peer passengers. Reduced lane-keeping variability reflected distracting effects. Nevertheless, possible protective effects for amber-light running and hazard handling (cognition and decision-making) were found in the drive with peer passengers. Avenues for further research and possible implications for targets of future driver training programs are discussed.

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en