AGE-DIFFERENCES IN MALE DRIVERS PERCEPTION OF ACCIDENT RISK - THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED DRIVING ABILITY

Young (18-25) and older (35-50) male drivers were compared in their perception of driving risk and confidence in driving ability. Young drivers were more confident in their driving abilities than the older drivers. Evidence is provided to suggest that perceived risk and self-perceived driving abilities are interrelated. Further, the data from young drivers showed two disturbing characteristics: first, a notable dissociation between perceived and actual ability and, second, a tendency to view themselves as immune from the effects of higher levels of risk, which they are prepared to ascribe to their peers but not to themselves.