How might young driver behaviour be improved? By therapy for all 17 year olds?

Abstract

This paper discusses some aspects of the psychology of young drivers, motivated by the following propositions. (1) If a substantial effect at the individual level is desired, anything short of an intrusive intervention will be insufficient. (2) If a large total effect on crash numbers is wanted, an intervention that applies to a large number of people is necessary. (3) Some form of therapeutic treatment might improve the driving behaviour of “normal” teenagers: what is different from the situation a generation or so ago is the list of successes that techniques under the label of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have had. Method: This is a selective review of psychological and safety literature relevant to the following issue. Suppose all 17 year olds were treated for the syndrome that stereotypically accompanies being 17 years old: low impulse control, high risk taking, impatience, sensation seeking, failure to recognise one’s own limitations, and so on. For example, this treatment could be part of getting a driving licence. Would there be a reduction in deaths and injuries on the road, to a cost-effective extent? Conclusions: There is some plausibility to possible success of psychological therapy. A bonus is the possibility of an intrusive intervention having more general effects, such as improving life management skills to reduce driving or avoid the more risky driving situations.