Peer pressure and young drivers

Young drivers between 18 and 24 years old are significantly overrepresented in accident statistics. An important reason is that peer pressure and passengers negatively influence driving behavior, especially in combination with little experience.

Why are young drivers more vulnerable?

How peer pressure works

When you have peers as passengers in the car, it often happens that:

• You drive faster than you otherwise would
• You take bigger risks when overtaking and at intersections
• Concentration is reduced by conversations and commotion in the car
• It feels difficult to say no to expectations to impress

Research shows that the risk of fatal accidents increases with the number of young passengers in the car. With two or more peers as passengers, the risk is multiplied.

How to resist pressure

• Make the decision in advance. Decide to drive by the rules before you get in the car.
• Make it clear that you, as the driver, decide. The responsibility is yours, not the passengers'.
• Remember that saying no to risk requires more courage than giving in.
• Think about the consequences: speed and extent of injuries shows how dramatic the outcome can be.
• Be aware that alcohol and drugs are often part of the picture in social situations.

Effective measures

Norway has introduced several measures aimed at young drivers:

• Mandatory night driving course and skid control course
• Stepwise driver training with a focus on risk awareness
• Point system which gives quicker consequences for young drivers during the probation period

Developing good risk awareness early is the most important measure you can take yourself.

Further reading

• Risk awareness in traffic
• Aggression and anger in traffic
• Fatigue and concentration
• Speed and consequences
• Point system and sanctions