Journal article
The role of driver profiles in speeding deterrence: Examining interactions between speeding, personality, and risk perceptions
Journal of Safety Research, Vol.97, pp.207-217
2026
Abstract
Introduction: Speeding is a persistent and widespread behavior that significantly contributes to vehicle crashes and road fatalities in Australia. Despite existing efforts to deter the behavior, speeding remains prevalent, highlighting the need to understand the factors underlying non-compliance. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between drivers’ personality traits, speeding behavior, and perceptions of the risks of speeding. Method: To achieve this aim, a sample of 862 Australian drivers completed an online survey. Results: Two independent cluster analyses identified three distinct driver profiles based on personality traits (adjusted, vulnerable, dominant) and past speeding behaviors (cautious, situational, habitual). MANOVAs revealed significant differences in speeding-related risk perceptions and the perceived likelihood of future speeding across both sets of cluster groups. In addition, split-file correlational analysis showed negative but nuanced relationships between risk perceptions and the perceived likelihood of speeding across the cluster groups, with stronger associations evident for the personality-based clusters. Finally, multi-group structural equation modeling demonstrated that speeding propensity predicted the perceived likelihood of future speeding via its influence on risk perceptions. However, the strengths of these relationships differed significantly across the personality clusters. Conclusions: Together, these findings suggest that personality traits and past speeding experiences shape individuals’ perceptions of speeding risks, which subsequently influence their likelihood of engaging in future speeding behavior. Practical applications: Future approaches to speeding deterrence should consider the unique characteristics of specific driver cohorts who are more or less resilient to interventions.
Details
- Title
- The role of driver profiles in speeding deterrence: Examining interactions between speeding, personality, and risk perceptions
- Authors
- Steven Love (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastVerity Truelove - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication details
- Journal of Safety Research, Vol.97, pp.207-217
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jsr.2026.03.002
- ISSN
- 1879-1247
- Copyright note
- © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).
- Grant note
- This study was funded by a grant between the Motor Accident Insurance Commission and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
- Organisation Unit
- Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991216244202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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InCites Highlights
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Ergonomics
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
- Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
- Transportation