The vehicle itself is examined as a possible variable affecting the high accident rate of young drivers. The contribution of the vehicle factor to accident causation is reviewed, and a low percentage of the causal factor variance is accounted for by vehicle factors. Consideration is given to type of vehicle, age, power and maintenance of vehicle, safety belt usage, and two-wheeled vehicles. It is shown that certain age groups prefer certain types of vehicles, and there are indications that adolescents more frequently drive vehicles which represent increased risks for the driver since they give less protection. Their vehicles are generally slightly older and tend to be less well maintained. Differences in capacity, horsepower and body style of passenger cars have only little effect on accident involvement rates. The number of traffic violations of young drivers shows a linear increase with time spent on care of the vehicle. Cars of young drivers are found to be significantly less often equipped with safety belts and the belts are used cycle riders are especially over-represented in accident statistics, with the serious injury and fatality rate per mile up to five times higher than for automobile occupants. It is established that the combination young driver/high-powered motorcycle is the most dangerous one with the highest accident rate.
Abstract