Abstract

Research into self-evaluation of driving behaviour, carried out mainly with male participants in North America and Europe, has shown that drivers overestimate their driving competence in relation to others, and underestimate their accident risk. This study compares male and female young Italian drivers in the evaluation of their own and others' driving competence. They completed a two-section questionnaire. In one section, they were asked to rate their own ability and personal control in driving. In the other section, by means of the same items, they had to evaluate their peers. Results highlight the existence and diffusion of self-favouring biases which were more frequent in men than in women; men also evaluated themselves more skilful than women did. Results are discussed with reference to the potential implications for road safety education.