Peer influence on speeding behaviour among male drivers aged 18 and 28

Møller, Mette; Haustein, Sonja · 2013 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2013.11.009

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Summary

This study investigates the role of peer influence on speeding behavior among male drivers, specifically comparing novice drivers aged 18 with more experienced drivers aged 28. The research is motivated by the persistent high accident risk associated with young male drivers, which remains elevated despite improvements in driving skills and general road safety measures. The authors posit that motivational and social factors, particularly peer pressure, are critical drivers of this risk. The study aims to determine whether the relationship between peer influence and speeding differs between these two age groups, thereby informing targeted preventive strategies. The researchers conducted a standardized postal survey of a random sample of 2,018 male drivers drawn from the Danish Driving Licence Register. The sample was split evenly between 18-year-olds (with 6–12 months of driving experience) and 28-year-olds (with 10–11 years of experience). The questionnaire measured driving frequency, traffic violations (speeding, seat belt use, drunk driving), accident history, and fines. Crucially, peer influence was assessed using two constructs: descriptive subjective norm (perception of friends’ actual speeding behavior) and injunctive subjective norm (expected friends’ approval or disapproval of violations). Attitudes toward traffic rules and perceived accident risks were also measured. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of excessive speeding, controlling for socio-demographic variables. The results indicate that descriptive subjective norm—the perception of how often friends speed—was the strongest predictor of speeding behavior in both age groups. Other significant predictors included negative attitudes toward speed limits, injunctive norms, and perceived accident risk. While 28-year-olds admitted to speeding more frequently than 18-year-olds, their behavior closely aligned with their perception of their friends’ behavior. In contrast, 18-year-olds exhibited a significant discrepancy between their own speeding and their friends’ perceived speeding, particularly on rural roads. This suggests that younger drivers are being socialized into increased speeding through peer pressure, whereas for older drivers, peer influence primarily serves to maintain or justify existing behaviors. Additionally, younger drivers held more negative attitudes toward speed limits and stricter penalties compared to older drivers. The study concludes that peer influence operates differently across early adulthood stages. For 18-year-olds, peer pressure acts as a socializing force that increases risky behavior, suggesting that preventive measures should employ peer-based interventions. For 28-year-olds, where peer influence reinforces established habits, individual-focused approaches are more appropriate. These findings highlight the necessity of age-specific strategies in road safety campaigns to effectively address the distinct mechanisms of peer influence affecting male drivers.

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Topics

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• passenger effects
• sex gender
• cultural cross national
• traffic safety culture
• novice drivers
• generational effects

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence