Professor Frank McKenna, Andrea Waylen and Matt BurkesPsychology Department, University of Reading
Cost: 147,000
Published: June 1998
The object of this project was to document gender differences in either the pattern of road accident involvement or driving style. To achieve this, accident statistics were examined to determine whether such differences in accident involvement exist. It was found that males were more likely than females to be involved in a fatal accident and were more likely to be involved in accidents on bends, while overtaking and during the hours of darkness. Females were more likely than males to be involved in accidents at junctions. A more intensive study of 480 drivers under the age of 50 was also carried out. This involved the use of digitised video tests of driver speed choice, close following, gap acceptance, overtaking and hazard perception, and a questionnaire covering a range of factors, such as driver experiences, sensation seeking and attitudes to alcohol and drug use. Finally, a smaller scale observational study on young drivers was discussed to determine if there are differences between young men and women drivers in their everyday driving behaviour and to determine whether or not they are differentially affected by the presence of another young person in the car.
The main findings
Significant sex differences were observed for:
- speed choice;
- close following;
- violations;
- alcohol and drug use;
- length of time driven without a break;
- feelings of thrill and competitiveness derived from driving.
Significant age differences were observed for:
- close following;
- gap acceptance;
- hazard perception;
- alcohol and drug use;
- feelings of thrill and competitiveness derived from driving.
From the observational study:
- in the absence of passengers, young male drivers were observed to drive more dangerously than young female drivers;
- the presence of young male passengers was associated with more dangerous driving for both young male and female drivers;
- the presence of young female passengers was associated with safer driving for young male drivers, though was not associated with any difference in the behaviour of young female drivers.
Although the issue of sex differences is politically sensitive and scientifically complex, the dramatic shift in the demographics of the driving population compels enquiry. We have found that men and women differ in fatality risk and in the pattern of accident involvement and that the explanation for these differences lies not only in the different patterns of travel but also in the different behaviour and attitudes of men and women. The findings relating to young drivers and peer passengers are discussed in relation to graduated licensing schemes.
A follow up study, covering three years, and involving a PhD student from the University of Reading, will be undertaken between summer 1998 and summer 2001. This will investigate in more detail aspects of the above research findings which could not be followed up as part of the main project.
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