Sex differences in risk exposure and risk perception.

Research has established that male drivers are more exposed to the risk of an accident than woman. Risk taking behaviour has often been mentioned in an attempt to identify the causal factors underlying this higher risk. However, risk taking is not an explanation in itself. Male and female social roles prescribe different rules for dealing with risk. As a result of the social pressure to conformity man and woman are inclined to obey these rules and act in accordance with the prescribed attitudes.