SEX DIFFERENCES IN RISK EXPOSURE AND RISK PERCEPTION --ROAD USER BEHAVIOR. THEORY AND RESEARCH. PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY HELD IN GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS, AUGUST 1987

Research has established that male drivers are more exposed to the risk of an accident than women. Risk taking behaviour has often been mentioned in an attempt to identify the causal factors underlying this higher risk. However, risk taking behaviour is not an explanation in itself. According to psychological theory, it can be said that behaviour is under mental control; perception and attitudes are clearly related to risky behaviour. Another element is the role of social attitudes towards risk and safety as to a great extent it is society that prescribes roles and status. Male and female social roles prescribe different rules for dealing with risk. As a result of social pressure to conform man and woman are inclined to obey these rules and act in accordance with the prescribed attitudes. This paper aims to outline these views by presenting the results of French surveys on risk exposure and attitudes to risk, and by exploring the relationship between risky behaviour, attitudes and social structures.(a) for the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 815404.