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Comparative Judgements of Crash Risk And Driving Ability for Speeding Behaviours
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Comparative Judgements of Crash Risk And Driving Ability for Speeding Behaviours

Laura Mills, James Freeman, Verity Truelove, Jeremy Davey and Patricia Delhomme
Journal of Safety Research, Vol.79, pp.68-75
2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2021.08.006
PMID: 34848021
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2021.08.006View
Published Version

Abstract

comparative optimism comparative pessimism risk of offending self-reported speeding perceptions
Introduction: Preliminary research has indicated that numerous drivers perceive their risk of traffic crash to be less than other drivers, whilst perceiving their driving ability to be better. This phenomenon is referred to as ‘comparative optimism’ (CO) and may prove to inhibit the safe adoption of driving behaviours and/or dilute perceptions of negative outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate comparative judgements regarding crash risk and driving ability, and how these judgements relate to self-reported speeding. Method: There were 760 Queensland motorists comprising of 51.6% males and 48.2% females, aged 16 to 85 (M = 39.60). Participants completed either a paper or online version of a survey. Judgements of crash risk and driving ability were compared to two referents: the average same-age, same-sex driver, and the average same-age, same-sex V8 supercar champion. Results: Drivers displayed greater optimism when comparing their crash risk and driving ability to the average same-age, same-sex driver (respectively, 72%, 74.2%), than when comparing to a V8 supercar champion (respectively, 60%, 32.9%). Participants reported engaging in speeding “rarely” to “sometimes” (M = 2.47, SD = 1.22). Self-reported speeding was predicted by: previous loss of licence, being in a car crash in the previous 3 years, comparative optimism (CO) in driving ability (the most salient predictor), comparative pessimism (CP) in crash risk and greater perceived likelihood of receiving a speeding ticket in the future. Practical applications: These findings illuminate the need to move beyond traditional deterrence approaches for those most at risk of offending, and are important for developing effective messages to minimise speeding-related injuries and fatalities.

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