Gender differences and areas of common concern in the driving behaviors and attitudes of adolescents

New Zealand adolescent males (n = 389) and females (n = 247) with a mean age of 15.86 years, were compared on a number of self-reported risky driving and passenger behaviors and attitudes. The survey found that males were significantly more likely than females to report driving, engaging in unsafe driving behaviors, drinking and driving, speeding on the open road, breaking the night curfew associated with being on a restricted Licence, and dangerous thought patterns. Females were more likely to have been the passenger of a drinking driver after the last party they attended. High levels of unlicensed driving, breaking the rules associated with a restricted licence, failing to wear a seat belt in the back seat, speeding, and being the passenger of a drinking driver were found in both groups. Recommendations for intervention strategies are made.