Factors influencing a risky driving profile among a cohort of young university students: Bases for adopting evidence-based prevention interventions

The aim of this research is to identify and analyse factors that have an influence on the creation of a high risk profile in young drivers, in order to create road safety educational initiatives designed to minimise the risk of suffering a traffic accident, and aimed at preventing young people from developing a high risk profile. With the purpose of identifying what may have been the strongest influences in establishing the risk profile, the factors of family, peers and partner, reactions to stressful situations, videogames and accident experiences were considered among a cohort of university students. The results show that family and peers seem to be the most influential factors, whereas driving schools seems to be the strongest protective factor in preventing the appearance of risky driving profiles. Educational programmes highlighting the modelling role of those who teach young people how to drive need to be developed.