The Influence of Passenger-Driver Interaction on Young Drivers

Toxopeus, Ryan; Ramkhalawansingh, Robert; Trick, Lana M.

doi:10.17077/drivingassessment.1379

Cited by 5 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…For example, simulator studies have found peer passengers increased some but not all risky driving behaviors (Ouimet, Pradhan et al 2013), and the presence of peer passengers may improve reaction times for teenage drivers (Toxopeus, Ramkhalawansingh et al 2011). This indicates there may be specific circumstances where peer passengers increase risk, and others where they promote safer driving depending on the circumstances.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Teen Drivers' Perceptions of Their Peer Passengers

Ehsani

Haynie

Luthers

et al. 2015

Transportation Research Record

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Background The presence of peer passengers increases teenage drivers’ fatal crash risk. Distraction and social influence are the two main factors that have been associated with increased risk. Teen drivers’ perceptions of their peer passengers on these factors could inform our understanding of the conditions under which peer passengers increase crash risk or promote safer driving. The purpose of this study was to examine teen drivers’ perceptions of their peer passengers on distraction and social influence. Method A convenience sample of male and female drivers participated in a semi-structured interview that included questions on their perceptions of the effects of peer passengers on driving on distraction and social influence. The analysis of the interviews was guided by a grounded theory approach. Findings Teenage drivers were aware of the risk that peer passengers posed. Some described having passengers in the vehicle as distracting, and recognized that the level of distraction increased with the number of passengers in the vehicle. Drivers that felt responsible for the safety of their peer passengers described strategies they used to control the in-vehicle environment. Drivers described driving with passengers as a performance, and articulated direct and indirect sources of pressure, gender norms, and unspoken expectations of their passengers as influencing their driving behavior. Conclusions The influence of passengers is situation specific and dependent on whom the passenger(s) may be. Passenger influence may be either protective or harmful, depending on the circumstances. Some passengers exert direct influence, but often their influence appears more indirect and subtle.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Teen Drivers' Perceptions of Their Peer Passengers

Ehsani

Haynie

Luthers

et al. 2015

Transportation Research Record

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…While peer presence is commonly associated with risky behavior, its effect on inattention is probably unique to driving compared to other types of risky behavior. Most observational and experimental studies have shown that the presence of teenage passengers is associated with higher involvement in (i) risky driving practices such as speeding (Shepherd et al, 2011; Simons-Morton et al, 2005; Toxopeus et al, 2011), shorter headway (Simons-Morton et al, 2005), lower safety belt use (Williams et al, 2003); and (ii) inattention such as higher “looked-but-failed-to-see” driving errors (White and Caird, 2010), lower identification of and reaction time to hazardous situations (Gugerty et al, 2004), and more driving errors (Rivardo et al, 2008; Toxopeus et al, 2011). Some epidemiological and observational studies have found stronger negative effects when both the driver and passenger were males (Chen et al, 2000; Ouimet et al, 2010; Simons-Morton et al, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lower risky driving practices were found for teenage drivers traveling with peer passengers in a naturalistic study (Simons-Morton et al, 2011) and faster reaction times were observed during simulated driving (Toxopeus et al, 2011). Some experimental studies focusing on distraction found no difference between driving with a passenger and driving alone (Drews et al, 2008) or performance deterioration when young drivers were accompanied by a passenger who was talking to them, but not when the passenger was silent (Rivardo et al, 2008; Toxopeus et al, 2011). While many studies demonstrate elevated risk in the presence of teenage passengers, the existence of mixed results suggests that there might be specific conditions under which teenage driving risk is increased or decreased in the presence of passengers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Most experimental studies have assumed that either peer influence leads to risky driving practices (Oei and Kerschbaumer, 1990; Shepherd et al, 2011) or that distraction results in inattention (Gugerty et al, 2004; Rivardo et al, 2008; Toxopeus et al, 2011; White and Caird, 2010). Both peer influence and distraction could occur under the same circumstances, however.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Both peer influence and distraction could occur under the same circumstances, however. For example, in research on the effects of distraction on driver performance during which study confederates engaged participants in a conversation (Gugerty et al, 2004; Rivardo et al, 2008; Toxopeus et al, 2011; White and Caird, 2010), effects on driver behavior could also be attributed to perceived social norms conveyed by the passengers. Similarly, if the confederate applies direct peer pressure on the teenager to engage in a risky behavior (Shepherd et al, 2011), there could also be an effect of distraction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The effect of male teenage passengers on male teenage drivers: Findings from a driving simulator study

Ouimet¹,

Pradhan²,

Simons-Morton³

et al. 2013

Accident Analysis & Prevention

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Studies have shown that teenage drivers are less attentive, more frequently exhibit risky driving behavior, and have a higher fatal crash risk in the presence of peers. The effects of direct peer pressure and conversation on young drivers have been examined. Little is known about the impact on driving performance of the presence of a non-interacting passenger and subtle modes of peer influence, such as perceived social norms. The goal of this study was to examine if teenagers would engage in more risky driving practices and be less attentive in the presence of a passenger (vs. driving alone) as well as with a risk-accepting (vs. risk-averse) passenger. A confederate portrayed the passenger's characteristics mainly by his non-verbal attitude. The relationship between driver characteristics and driving behavior in the presence of a passenger was also examined. Thirty-six male participants aged 16-17 years old were randomly assigned to drive with a risk-accepting or risk-averse passenger. Main outcomes included speed, headway, gap acceptance, eye glances at hazards, and horizontal eye movement. Driver characteristics such as tolerance of deviance, susceptibility to peer pressure, and self-esteem were measured. Compared to solo driving, the presence of a passenger was associated with significantly fewer eye glances at hazards and a trend for fewer horizontal eye movements. Contrary to the hypothesis, however, passenger presence was associated with a greater number of vehicles before initiating a left turn. Results also showed, contrary to the hypothesis, that participants with the risk-accepting passenger maintained significantly longer headway with the lead vehicle and engaged in more eye glances at hazards than participants with the risk-averse passenger. Finally, when driving with the passenger, earlier initiation of a left turn in a steady stream of oncoming vehicles was significantly associated with higher tolerance of deviance and susceptibility to peer pressure, while fewer eye glances at hazards was linked to lower self-esteem. While the results of this study were mixed, they suggest that the presence of a teenage passenger can affect some aspects of teenage driver behavior even in the absence of overt pressure and distraction. Results are discussed in relation to theoretical concepts of social influence and social facilitation models.

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