Caveman in the car

A major academic review published by esure car insurance suggests that evolutionary psychology and neurobiology can provide a better explanation of why young men are so prone to accidents and convictions on British roads than theories that focus on driving skills alone.

Entitled ‘Sex Differences in Driving and Insurance Risk', the review cites wide ranging evidence for the theory that the aggressive, risk-taking behaviour that helped the genes of our ancestors to survive still influences the way that some young men drive cars today.

The report's author, Professor Geoffrey Beattie of Manchester University said: "Much of the circuitry of the human brain evolved to meet the requirements of societies and cultures very different from our own, those of the hunter gatherer that existed for over 99% of our evolution as a species. Our 21st century skulls contain essentially ‘stone-age' brains, and this can help to explain the differences between the sexes in terms of their risk-proneness while driving."

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure Car Insurance, said: "There has been very little broad thinking about why young men suffer so much worse accident and conviction rates on British roads. This report makes a very clear point - it is not just about skills or enforcement, it's about teaching young men in particular to overcome natural instincts that have evolved to enjoy speed, danger, risk taking and showing off. It was fine for cavemen but not for the modern car driver.

"This is a serious point that hasn't received nearly enough study or attention by policymakers. We will be making sure we bring this report to the attention of all those considering how to make British roads safer and cut the disproportionate number of accidents and fatalities involving young men."