driver-qualification-handbook-english

2Young male drivers are more likely than women to let their emotions dictate howthey drive. For example, they are more likely to jump in the car and drive aroundwhen emotionally upset. They do this to ‘let off steam’. But they are also more likelyto speed and drive erratically or aggressively in the process. You may know someonewho does this.You may also know people who are motivated to drive fast and take deliberate risksto get a thrill or a buzz or just to relieve boredom. Research shows that they areinvolved in more crashes than other drivers. They are also more likely to get bookedby the police. It is tragic if one driver’s motivation for a few thrills leads to death orinjury to themselves or someone else. This issue of risk taking is covered in moredetail in the next section of the handbook.For most people, driving is mainly about getting from A to B. Most people are notprimarily motivated by safety when they drive. They just want to get somewhere asquickly as possible. But equally, no one wants to die, get hurt or get booked in theprocess.You can either be a slave to your motivation when you drive or try to understand itand take control to minimise risk for yourself and other road users. It is not easy,but realising that your motivation may affect how safely you drive is an importantfirst step.Key points summary: Motivation and driving• Motivation varies across people and across tasks – this applies to driving too.• Drivers who feel pressured by time or deadlines are more likely to speed andtake risks to get from A to B quickly – Even peoplewho normally drive more carefully may do things that are dangerous.• Young male drivers are more likely than women to let their emotions dictatehow they drive.• Some people are motivated to drive fast and take deliberate risks to get a thrillor a buzz or just relieve boredom. Their crash risk is much higher than otherdrivers’ and they are more likely to get booked by the police.• Driving is motivated mainly by the desire to get from A to B as quickly aspossible, but no one wants to die, get hurt or get booked in the process.• You need to recognise that motivation affects how you drive.Driver qualification handbook 39