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Television Socialization and Risky Driving by Teenagers

NCJ Number
116877
Journal
Alcohol, Drugs and Driving Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1989) Pages: 1-11
Author(s)
C K Atkin
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Due to the paucity of empirical evidence on the relationship between television viewing to risky driving, this paper discusses theoretically based predictions of the likely effects of entertainment and commercial advertising content on teenagers, focusing on drunk driving and riding behavior; safety-belt buckling; social intervention to prevent drunk driving; and perceptions of normative practices involving risky driving, drinking patterns, and safety-belt usage.
Abstract
The opening discussion outlines the key theories that can be applied to understanding how television protrayals influence cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses of teenage drivers. It begins with stimulus-oriented perspectives, proceeds to receiver-centered conceptualizations, and concludes with assessments of the indirect effects via interpersonal influences. The article then considers the effects of TV advertising and other portrayals upon alcohol consumption, social intervention to prevent drunk driving and risky driving. The article concludes that although there is little empirical evidence regarding the effects of TV on risk-related driving behaviors of teenagers, there is ample basis for speculation. Alcohol commercials apparently increase the incidence of drunk driving slightly. Fictional role modeling on television stimulates drunk-driving intervention intentions, but other depictions teach reckless driving. The portrayal of safety-belt usage promotes buckling to a limited degree. 7 references.