The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between lifestyle factors and risky driving behaviour. The method used is based on the Theory of Adolescent Problem Behaviour. The sample consisted of 258 University and College of Further Education students, and youths from youth centres in Berkshire who were between the ages of 16 and 25 years. A questionnaire was given to them to complete in their own time. This consisted of nine parts and contained items on alcohol and drug use, attitudes and opinions about alcohol use and deviant behaviours, intolerance of deviance, interpersonal relations, peer and parental influence, achievement, sensation seeking and driving practices, traffic violations, travel patterns and accident involvement. The results are set out in some detail and indicate that risky driving appears to be one element of a more general lifestyle that includes many other types of risk taking behaviour, includig heavy drinking.
Abstract