Journal article
Comparative Judgements of Crash Risk And Driving Ability for Speeding Behaviours
Journal of Safety Research, Vol.79, pp.68-75
2021
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- Comparative Judgements of Crash Risk And Driving Ability for Speeding Behaviours
- Authors
- Laura Mills (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyJames Freeman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyVerity Truelove (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyJeremy Davey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyPatricia Delhomme (Author) - Université Paris Cité
- Publication details
- Journal of Safety Research, Vol.79, pp.68-75
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jsr.2021.08.006
- ISSN
- 1879-1247
- Organisation Unit
- Road Safety Research Collaboration; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99534605302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
164 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Ergonomics
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
- Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
- Transportation
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites