Need for speed

Abstract

This research project aims at exploring the motivations behind young people's risky driving practices such as speeding. The literature review indicates that such behaviour leads to traffic accidents and most of these involve young drivers. Research shows that motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death among young people worldwide. This research cannot conclude what causes young drivers to drive recklessly as this would require deeper studies and a research project on a larger scale. However, it gives a useful indication of what might be done to lessen the likelihood of engaging in risky driving behaviour on the road and allow us to predict adolescent proneness for such risk. The sample chosen for this study consists of 12 young male car enthusiasts aged between 18 and 26 years. The subjects are all students undertaking a motor vehicle course. In this study, a qualitative research approach was adopted and the data was collected by the use of in-depth interviews. The analysis focused on the perception of youth as stereotyped, young people's risky behaviour in general, risky driving and the awareness of its consequences. The study ends with a summary of the main conclusions and provides recommendations for further research, policy and service development.