Young male drivers' perceptions of and experiences with YouTube videos of risky driving behaviours. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vingilis, Evelyn; Yildirim-Yenier, Zümrut; Vingilis-Jaremko, Larissa; Seeley, Jane; Wickens, Christine M.; Grushka, Daniel H.; Fleiter, Judy
• Is Part Of: Accident analysis and prevention. Volume 120(2018)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Social media -- Focus groups -- Qualitative -- Descriptive -- Canada; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prévention -- Périodiques; 363.106
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.07.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-4575

Abstract

Highlights: YouTube videos are used to replace TV watching and for entertainment and information. Risky driving YouTube videos are perceived negatively because of potential negative consequences to drivers and others. Some viewers experience "vicarious pleasure" in viewing risky driving videos. Videos could influence behaviours of some viewers, particularly young male viewers. Abstract: Objective: YouTube features millions of videos of high risk driving behaviours and negative consequences of high risk driving ("fails"), such as injuries or deaths. Unfortunately, no information is available on YouTube viewership of these types of sites or on the effects of these videos on viewers. The purpose of this study was to examine young male drivers' perceptions of and experiences with YouTube videos of risky driving behaviours. Methods: Using an exploratory qualitative descriptive approach, three 2-hour focus groups were conducted with young men 18–30 years of age to determine: (i) if they watch and share YouTube videos, including high risk driving videos; (ii) what effects high risk driving videos have on them and others and whether YouTube videos of negative consequences discourage high risk driving. Results: Participants indicated three uses for YouTube; it has replaced television watching and provides entertainment and information. Motivations of both risky drivers in videos and viewers to engage in high risk driving activities included person characteristics (e.g., sensation seeking and responsivity to financial rewards for high view count videos) and socio-environmental factors (e.g., peer pressure). Most indicated that they would not try to imitate the risky behaviours exhibited in videos, although a few had tried to copy some risky driving moves from videos. Conclusions: Social, not mass media is now the common information and entertainment source for young people. YouTube videos of high risk driving are common and ubiquitous. Findings from these focus groups suggest that viewers could influence subsequent content of social media videos and reciprocally, videos could influence behaviours of some viewers, particularly young male viewers.