The aim of this article was to describe the driving
behavior profile of
drivers aged 18 to 25 years old. Four hundred
young adults were interviewed, 320 (80%) of them
male and 80 (20%)
female.
Cluster analysis identified a group characterized by
sensation-seeking
behavior (Cluster 1), a group that did not show any risky driving
behavior (Cluster 2), and a group engaged in transgressive
behavior and
driving under the influence of alcohol and/or
drugs (Cluster 3).
Discriminant analysis classified successfully and correctly 81.3% of the
young adults into their original profiles. Function 1 distinguished cluster 1 from clusters 2 and 3, on the basis of the following factors higher frequency of
alcohol consumption, intrusive
behavior, and
motorcycle riding, as well as younger age, more aggressive
behavior, and lower
education level. Function 2 distinguished cluster 3 from cluster 1 and 2, especially as to higher amounts of
alcohol consumption, higher frequency of
marijuana use and delinquent
behavior, larger number of
traffic tickets and
motor vehicle accidents, higher
paternal education level, which were the variables with discriminant values above .20. Characteristics of
vulnerability were identified, especially those related to
alcohol consumption,
drug use, and externalizing issues (AU)