Adolescent Problem Behavior and Problem Driving in Young Adulthood

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Abstract
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among drivers younger than age 35, making problem driving behavior among young drivers a significant public concern. Effective intervention requires a better understanding of the antecedents of problem driving. Problem behavior theory, social control theory, and Kandel’s model of substance use development were used to predict young-adult problem driving (i.e., drug-, drinking-, and risky driving). Using a longitudinal sample of 1,845 young adults, path analysis showed that drinking-driving and drug-driving were predicted by adolescent marijuana use, as well as greater alcohol misuse and tolerance of deviance. Risky driving was predicted by greater alcohol misuse, less cigarette smoking, greater tolerance of deviance, and better school performance during adolescence. These results highlight the qualitative difference between substance-related driving behavior, which is socially proscribed, and risky-driving behavior, which is more normative. Implications for prevention are discussed.

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