Young Driver Accidents and Delinquency: Modeling and General Theories of Crime

• NCJ Number: 216630
• Author(s): Steven J. Ellwanger
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 263 pages
• Sale Source: LFB Scholarly Publishing LLC
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This book examines society’s efforts to effectively address the societal problem of young driver accidents through the use of General Strain Theory and Self-Control Theory to better explain and understand a previous theory which identified the source of the problem as flowing from a personal deficit.

Abstract

General Strain Theory and Self- Control Theory are two prominent theories on crime and delinquency found to offer promise in increasing the understanding of the social problem of young driver accidents. In addition, their application offers promise of theoretical development and refinement on the limits, relationship, and/or relative superiority of these theories on deviance. Results reveal that both theories can claim intellectual province to this issue. The analysis presented in this book suggests that there is considerable overlap between self-control and driving frustration. Low-self control operates indirectly through strain, whereby the “disposition” interplays with ‘situation” to significantly increase an individual’s likelihood to respond to driving context-specific strain through delinquent behaviors. This investigation explored the effectiveness of our Nation’s concerted efforts to deal with a serious, troublesome problem associated with the widespread societal dependence upon the automobile for our personal and commercial transportation. Specifically, the social cost of accidents borne by young drivers. The theory informing traffic safety education program activities is one which viewed the problem as resulting from a lack of knowledge, poor driving skills, and inadequate acceptance of personal responsibility for safe vehicle operation. From this theory, state-sponsored intervention efforts emphasizing uniform teaching and curriculum aimed at overcoming these deficiencies has been promoted. However, its effectiveness has remained unclear, spurring the need for further analysis and theoretical review. Tables, figures, appendixes A-M, and references