Measure before Pressure - what is peer pressure and how does it relate to driving?

This blog post is an extra special one as it was created by students at SADD Conference in April as part of their challenge! Shout out to Maddi, Lara, Liam, Hayley, Katie, Sienna, Tamzyn and Victor who formed group 6 at our Dunedin conference. As part of their challenge to create digital content to address a youth road safety issue, they chose to write a blog post as well as create some video content that focused on peer pressure. Ka rawe!

Peer pressure is the influence that can be exerted by a group of peers and encouraging individuals to change their values, attitudes or behaviours. Many struggle to say no to peer pressure as they want to fit in or impress their friends. Peer pressure is common amongst teenagers.  

This relates to young drivers as many face pressures to break their licence conditions in benefit of someone else. Licence conditions vary based on the level of licence you hold, learner licence conditions include driving with a supervisor at all times who has held a full NZ licence for over two years. 5am to 10pm restriction time. Restricted drivers must drive between the hours of 5am to 10 pm, without carrying  passengers who do not carry a full NZ licence for over two years. 

Statistics 

Research has shown that drivers who are on their restricted licence are seven times more likely to be involved in an accident that can have fatal or serious injury than other drivers on the road. These crashes involving restricted drivers are most likely to happen within the first 6-12 months of someone receiving their restricted. 

Studies have shown that having passengers can increase the chance of an incident for a restricted driver. It’s important to stick to the road rules to keep everyone on the road safe. 

Statistics from the NZ Transport Agency indicate that young or inexperienced drivers are more prone to accidents when accompanied by peers, likely due to increased distractions and social pressure. These rules are in place to minimise such risks. However, this also has a social aspect, as it affects young drivers' ability to travel with friends and can influence their social interactions. 

The restrictions aim to balance road safety with the developmental needs of young drivers, making their journey to full licensing safer for everyone on the road. Teenagers also tend to make unwise decisions when surrounded by their peers, for example teenagers around the age of 16 and 18 have been found to have alcohol over three times the legal limit for an adult, and then get in the car which is down to peer pressure. The number of deaths with occupants in the car peaks at the age of 18 for both males and females, with males three times more likely to die. Maori have the highest rate by ethnic group.

Research concludes that almost 42,000 infringements in five years and 18 prosecutions, but that the number caught has plunged recently - as have the number of written warnings issued, from about 300 per year, to 10.

Why do teens fall for peer pressure more easily than others 

13 - 18 years of age is usually when teenagers start to be exposed to substances like alcohol and illegal use of drugs which does make some situations more tricky for teens to avoid situations of peer pressure.  Our friends influence our decisions and shape what type of person we are. 

We spoke to a range of males and females between the age of 13 and 17 to see their thoughts on peer pressure when it comes to driving. Ten students on their restricted licence said they have breached their licence conditions and carried passengers who did not meet the requirement of having their full licence for over 2 years. Only three students said that they have never taken a passenger or breached their conditions. This shows that it is indeed very common for most teenagers on restricted licence to have given in to peer pressure.  

How to say no 

Youth on their learner and restricted licence illegally taking friends is one of the leading factors for the number of youth deaths on New Zealand roads. For these youth, peer pressure and maintaining friendships play a big part in their decision making. They feel like they are unable to say no as their friends are relying on them and may have no other way of getting to places. Here are 4 tips on how to say no:

  • Know what your licence allows (if you are a learner driver you need to drive with a supervisor who has had their full licence for 2 years, and if you are on your restricted licence only taking passengers who have had their full licence for more than 2 years) 

  • Saying no the first time. This is always the hardest, but once you take that first step it will get easier. 

  • Choose your friends wisely. If they don't respect the fact that you are not going to breach your licence then maybe they are not the best friends for you.  

  • Asking a trusted adult or friend for help. If your friend doesn't understand your choices and you feel like you need to talk to someone about it, find a trusted adult or friend and discuss it with them. 

Consequences 

Driving with a passenger on your restricted licence could lead to a route of punishment. When you're caught driving on your restricted licence with a passenger, you can face punishment of a $100 fine and 35 demerit points, unless you are driving with a supervisor who is riding in the front passenger seat and has had their full licence for at least two years.  

It's important to follow these rules along with all other road rules as it protects you, and others, from harm. Over time, if you receive 100 or more demerit points over a two year period, your licence will be suspended for three months, therefore it’s important to be able to say no to carrying a passenger on a restricted and to follow all rules.  

Driving with passengers can lead to more distractions, this can increase your risk of a crash by 4 times. Passengers can be particularly distracting because they often engage in demanding conversations and give last minute directions.

Data has revealed that in 2022, Police caught 5000 drivers breaking their restricted licence by carrying passengers when they shouldn't. The Police went into much more detail about not going hard on these licence offenders. They often refer them to a driver licensing programme, which keeps them out of the justice system and supports them to gain their full licence.

Where to next? 

After reading this article it’s important to stand up to peer pressure and take action. Stand up when you face peer pressure and use the methods listed in “How to say no?” section above. You can support those around you who are facing peer pressure, and you can even try out our SADD Interactive After Party video. The video simulates facing peer pressure related to dangerous driving or driving with passengers. Give it a go at: 

https://www.sadd.org.nz/interactive-video


Thanks so much to Group 6 for this awesome content. They also created an epic video which we will be sharing on all of our channels soon so watch this space! We love sharing student written pieces on our blog so if you have anything you would also like to share then please get in touch!

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