Factors Associated with Speeding, Drink-Driving, Driving while Fatigued and Seat Belt Use in a Sample of Metropolitan Sydney Drivers
Keywords: General
ARSRPE
Submission Date: 2006
Abstract
Road trauma is recognized as a serious problem both in Australia and internationally, particularly for
younger drivers. Risky driving has been identified as an important contributor to road crashes, although
it may be debated whether all risky behaviours are sufficiently similar to be explained by similar
factors. The present study examined a range of demographic factors, personality factors, attitudes and
beliefs (based in part on the Health Belief Model) in the prediction of speeding, drink-driving, driving
while fatigued, and not wearing seat belts, for young drivers. Results illustrated that different risky
driving behaviours were predicted by different factors. Speeding was predicted by gender, sensation
seeking, driver anger, road-unrelated illusory invulnerability, general perceived susceptibility, and
specific perceived susceptibility. Drink-driving was predicted by peer influence. Driving while fatigued
was predicted by specific perceived susceptibility, as well as the perceived costs and perceived benefits
associated with not driving while fatigued. Not wearing a seat belt was predicted by general perceived
susceptibility. Overall, results suggest that future research should focus on a multi-factor framework for
specific risky driving behaviours. Results may guide future young driver road safety messages and
countermeasures for individual risky driving behaviours.