Anticipated Regret and Risky Driving: A Focus on Texting Behaviour

EXTENDED ABSTRACT: Numerous psychosocial factors have been identified in the prediction of texting while driving including attitudes, perceived norms and behavioural control. Less is known regarding the role of anticipated emotions, such as regret, which may be important and potentially modifiable influences on texting while driving. We conducted a survey of young drivers aged 17-24 years in the ACT and examined the role of anticipated emotions in sending/reading text messages while driving. Other variables, such as attitudes, norms and control were also measured. We present results regarding the influence of anticipated emotions on texting and implications for road safety messages.