Title: Traffic violations - a review of the literature
Abstract:When trying to explain the cause of traffic accidents an increasing number of studies have rejected the theory that the explanation lies in what drivers cannot do or their limitations. The explanation...When trying to explain the cause of traffic accidents an increasing number of studies have rejected the theory that the explanation lies in what drivers cannot do or their limitations. The explanation might lie in what they intend to do. This has then been described as a violation, a deliberate deviation from routines which are there to protect the individual from danger. This report is a review of the literature with the aim to increase the understanding of those motivational factors which make drivers violate. In the summary the results show that people who violate the traffic regulations perceive themselves as superior to other drivers thus traffic rules do not apply to them. The consequences of these actions are believed to be positive (i.e. the driving becomes more pleasant, they get to the destination quicker and they are better adjusted to other drivers). The negative effect of the same behaviour is undervalued (i.e. to get involved in an accident or stopped by the police). In addition to this they believe that their behaviour is accepted by others which in turn induce them to believe that their own behaviour is the norm rather than the exception. Drivers' personalities have also been studied and it appears that 'sensation-seekers' are more likely to commit driving violations than others. Studies have also found out that people judged as socially deviant, i.e. people who have been guilty of other kinds of crimes, also take greater risks in traffic. A sound understanding of what motivates drivers to violate serves as a starting-point when trying to change undesirable behaviours. A number of attempts have been made and the impression is that the most lasting effect is achieved when the message has an effect on individuals' own valuation of the behaviour.Read More
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Language: en
Type: review
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