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Peer pressure and risky behavior
Passengers in the car — especially same-age friends — affect how young drivers drive, often without the driver realizing it. Here we review the research behind peer pressure in traffic and what you can do to avoid being influenced.
Rules & Regulations
- Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt according to applicable law.
- Children must use an approved child restraint suitable for the child's size and in accordance with the law and the manufacturer's instructions.
- It is prohibited to hold a mobile phone or other handheld device while driving; hands-free solutions are allowed but can still cause distraction.
- It is prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs — the driver is responsible for not operating the vehicle while impaired.
- The driver must drive so that other road users and passengers are not put at risk; careless driving can lead to legal consequences.
- The blood alcohol limit for drunk driving is 0.2 per mille in blood (0.10 mg/l in breath); at 1.0 per mille or more it is classified as aggravated drunk driving.
- Children under 135 cm must use a special restraint (infant carrier, child car seat, or booster seat/cushion), not just a regular seat belt.
Tips for Drivers
- Set clear rules before departure: state that no racing, hard acceleration, or dangerous maneuvers are tolerated in the car.
- If passengers pressure you into risky actions — stop in a safe place and address the situation; ask them to leave the car if they don’t stop.
- As a new driver: limit the number of same-age passengers at first until you have more experience, because more passengers often increase risk-taking.
- Minimize distractions by turning on your phone's do not disturb, pre-setting navigation, and asking passengers to help with maps or music.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking that passengers' behavior does not affect the driver's responsibility — drivers often underestimate how much provocation and encouragement alters their behavior.
- Assuming that hands-free is completely risk-free — it reduces manual distraction but cognitive distraction remains and can affect reaction time.
- Underestimating social factors: many drivers think they are not affected by peer pressure, but research shows the opposite — especially in stressful or fast-paced situations.
Exam Tip
In the theory test you may get questions that compare different types of distraction (e.g., holding a phone vs. hands-free) and questions about what increases accident risk for young drivers (e.g., multiple same-age passengers). Read the options carefully — the test often examines the link between social influence and risky behavior.
Did You Know?
Research consistently shows that the presence of same-age passengers increases risk-taking and the risk of accidents among young drivers, especially in situations perceived as socially charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does peer pressure affect young drivers in practice?
Peer pressure can lead young drivers to take more risks, for example increasing speed, making aggressive overtakes, or not following safety procedures. The effect often increases when the passengers are peers and try to impress or joke around.
Can passengers be punished if they encourage dangerous driving?
It may depend on the circumstances — in some cases a passenger who actively encourages dangerous driving may be subject to legal action, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you want a definitive answer for a specific case you should consult legal expertise.
What should I do if friends try to get me to drive dangerously?
Firmly say no, stop in a safe place and ask them to get out of the car if they continue. Suggest other activities, or ask someone else to drive if that feels safer.
Is hands-free completely harmless just because it's legal?
No — hands-free is legal because the driver is not holding the device, but it can still create mental distraction. It is always safest to minimize calls and complex tasks while driving.
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