Abstract
The evolutionary importance of risk taking among young adult male animals (including humans) is explained. Sensation seeking in young drivers is related to low anxiety and low fear of death, particularly among 16- to 20-year-olds. The neurology of fear is described and it is suggested that apart from the largest animals and man, fear is the normal condition of life. It is suggested that publicity which invokes disgust or aversion is unsuccessful whereas publicity that invokes genuine fear could well alter behaviour. It is questioned however whether classical conditioning procedures would be socially, ethically and politically acceptable. An outline of a possible trial of such procedures is given.