ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews research on risky driving among young drivers aged 16-24 that has been conducted mostly during the last 5 years. The main focus in the chapter is on speeding among young drivers, but other risky behaviors are examined as well (e.g., alcohol-and drug-impaired driving, distracted driving). Young drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal and injury collisions compared to older drivers. There is also considerable evidence that young drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in speed-related fatal and injury collisions. In observational surveys, young drivers are more often found to be drinking and driving, using drugs and driving, and driving while distracted. They are also more likely to indicate in self-report surveys that they speed as well as engage in other risky behavior such as alcohol-and drug-impaired driving and distracted driving, particularly the use of electronic communication devices. Many risky driving behaviors have been found to be correlated, thereby supporting the concept of a risky driving syndrome. Effective interventions to reduce speeding include legislation (e.g., antiracing laws), automated enforcement (e.g., speed cameras, point-to-point speed measurement), and the use of incentives and feedback.
