ABSTRACT
The Problem. Driving risk may be higher among teenage drivers in the presence of teenage passengers. However, there has been only one recent review of one aspect of the literature, and many questions remain, including the following: (1) What is the extent of the association between passengers and (a) teenage fatal and nonfatal crash risk and (b) risky driving or inattention? (2) How do these associations vary as a function of driving conditions and driver and passenger characteristics? Methods. Research was reviewed that examined the association of passenger presence and teenage driving outcomes using survey, crash database, observational, naturalistic, and simulation methods. Key Findings. While there is clear evidence that fatal crash risk among teenage drivers is higher in the presence of teenage passengers, the association between passenger presence and nonfatal crash risk is less clear. Risky driving is higher among teenage drivers in the presence of teenage passengers, particularly male passengers. In addition, teenage driver attention may sometimes be lower in the presence of teenage passengers, particularly when passengers talk with the driver. Conclusions. Risky driving and crash risk are often lower in the presence of adult passengers and higher in the presence of teenage passengers. The variability in associations with driving performance and outcomes may vary by driver and passenger characteristics and driving conditions.
