Hazard and risk perception among young novice drivers

Proposes a model of the processes mediating behavior around traffic hazards and critically reviews the literature on novice drivers within the framework provided by the model. Compared with experienced drivers, novice drivers detect hazards less quickly and efficiently and perceived them less holistically. The detection of hazards is proposed to provide the requisite information for risk perception, the process which includes assessing both the level of risk posed by a hazard and one's ability to deal with the hazard effectively. Research indicates that young drivers underestimate the risk of an accident in a variety of situations. At the same time, they overestimate their own driving skill. Young drivers are also more willing to accept risk while driving than experienced drivers. These factors are more likely to contribute to young novice drivers' overrepresentation in accidents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)