Cognitive control and risky driving of young novices

What is it about?

This study investigated if decreased cognitive control, reflected in response inhibition and working-memory performance, is an underlying mechanism of risky driving in young novice drivers. Thirty-eight participants aged 17 to 25 years old, with less than 1 year of driving experience, completed a simulated drive that included several risky driving measures. Measures of response inhibition and verbal working memory were negatively associated with the standard deviation of the lateral lane position. Response inhibition, but not working memory, was also negatively related with the detection of, reaction to, and crashes with road hazards. Unexpectedly, increased cognitive control did not always relate to decreased risky driving. Visuospatial working-memory performance related positively with yellow-light running and negatively with the minimal following distance inside the city center. The findings evidence the role of cognitive control in explaining risky driving in young novice drivers. This relationship, however, differed per cognitive function and per driving parameter.

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Why is it important?

The greatest threats to the well-being of young people in industrialized societies come from preventable and often self-inflicted causes, including automobile accidents. Risky driving can be a threat to individuals themselves as well as to other road users. It is therefore necessary to reduce risky driving behavior to improve the overall well-being of the population.