Aggressive or confrontational driving is everywhere, and this incident’s occurrence rate is worrying rather than something to be accepted as an unavoidable reality. Unless your city struggles with persistent, bumper-to-bumper traffic, or you have lived exclusively in a car-free place like Venice, then you’ve most likely been bothered by a case of aggressive driving in your life, too. You can experience aggressive driving even as a pedestrian. For example, if a car that should have stopped to let you cross speeds past right in front of you, it’s a case of aggressive driving.
Now, a specific age group category makes a unique case: the youngsters. While they account for under 10% of all full license possessors, according to a new study from British automotive services company RAC, they’re still responsible for 38% of dangerous driving endorsements. This label represents a mark stamped on a driver’s license when they’re found guilty of driving in a manner that puts the well-being of other traffic participants and passersby at risk. This should fall considerably below the expected standard.
Despite this phenomenon’s endurance, there are things that both teens and parents can do to reduce the number of casualties and wrecks resulting from aggressive driving. From acknowledging the trend’s gravity and the common and risky behaviours to practising deliberately defensive driving, here are some of the essentials to keep top of mind when entering traffic.
Examples of risky behaviours
Teenagers tend to resort to various risky behaviours due to a mix of factors, such as overconfidence, peer pressure, or lack of awareness regarding the possible consequences and the undertaking’s potential impact. Some may find it hard to believe that while their dangerous undertakings don’t result in accidents, they still make those around them uncomfortable or drive under stress.
Accident Claims Lawyers draw attention to some of the most unsafe driving behaviours that everyone should realise:
- Speeding. While not always intentional, teenagers often overlook the possible implications of driving over the speed limit, hard acceleration, or kickdowns. Speeding decreases reaction times and aggravates the severity of potential collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlights that speeding contributes to almost one in three deadly crashes involving young drivers.
- Carrying more passengers. Teens can be easily distracted when driving with friends, all the more if they’re loud or exceed the limit of carriable passengers. Studies exhibit that crashes rise considerably when young drivers travel with passengers, with each extra companion increasing the risk of a collision, all the more when they’re peers. The desire to show off or make an impression through risky undertakings can have fatal consequences.
- Driving under the influence. Even if there are numerous awareness campaigns, some youngsters still engage in drug or alcohol use before kicking it off. Some may agree to take a ride with an impaired driver. Understanding the risks and possible aftermaths of impaired driving often slips many teens’ minds, which can cause severe risks and significantly amplify the possibility of a crash.
- Street racing. Undertakings like tailgating, rushing to run the green lights, street racing, or weaving through traffic give teenagers the thrill – and the legal setup to be charged with a penalty, should something bad happen or not. Such actions are very unsafe and can cause catastrophic crashes. Social media glamorises similar behaviours sometimes, giving teens the confidence to take unnecessary risks only to create a false self-image or receive peer approval and attention.
- Distracted driving. Talking to passengers, using tech gear, talking on a phone, or even daydreaming are all common cases of distracted driving. This phenomenon is serious – distracted driving took the lives of 3,275 individuals in 2023. Although this represents a 1% decrease compared to 2022, the number remains alarmingly high.
Why are youngsters more prone?
The question arises: Why are young drivers so involved in aggressive driving incidents? Several factors play a key role.
First, teens and young adults tend to be more impulsive than older age groups, as brain development—particularly in areas responsible for decision-making—can continue until around age 25. Inexperience also contributes—young drivers haven’t yet developed the defensive habits that more experienced drivers rely on.
Peer pressure also contributes a lot to the phenomenon. Young drivers who drive accompanied by friends are more tempted to engage in risky behaviour like speeding, running red lights, or taking chances. Adding the feeling of invincibility that comes with youth, and the stats approaching this phenomenon start making sense.
Real-world consequences
Aggressive driving has very real, often devastating consequences. In the UK, RAC’s report shows that young drivers are alarmingly overrepresented in crash stats associated with unsafe driving. There are lasting financial and legal consequences beyond the physical risks. Penalties for dangerous driving endorsements can include:
- Fines
- Higher insurance rates
- Points on a license
- In grave situations, license suspension and criminal records.
Young drivers can take several proactive steps to reduce their risk and become safer drivers. First, it’s important to recognise emotional states before starting the engine, for they play a considerable role when experience in traffic is low or in development. If you’re stressed, angry, or rushed, delay your trip or take deep breaths to calm yourself. If you’re exhausted or feel jittery after, say, drinking too many coffees, wait until you’re able to drive.
Always drive defensively, not competitively. Driving defensively helps you anticipate possible hazards and react promptly to prevent accidents. Building such habits will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Verifying mirrors regularly, checking the road ahead, and being aware of hazards like bad road conditions are just a few habits to develop and resort to.
Lastly, you can use driving feedback apps, which are made to track speed, hard braking, and sudden acceleration. These apps help highlight problem areas and improve habits.
Aggressive driving is an alarming and persistent trend among teenagers. But by continuing to raise awareness, offer guidance, and encourage defensive driving, a future where aggressive driving is an exception – and not a rule – is feasible.
