Citation

DeJoy DM, Klippel JA. J. Saf. Res. 1984; 15(3): 107-115.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to examine the attribution of responsibility for alcohol-related near-miss accidents. Ninety-six observers were presented with specially prepared accident scenarios in which the level of unsafe driving behavior (none, drinking, drinking and speeding) and the severity of accident outcome were varied. The results indicated that less responsibility was assigned to the perpetrator for near-misses than for more severe accidents, regardless of the presence or absence of unsafe behavior. Recommended penalties also varied with severity of outcome, particularly for drinking and driving accidents. In general, the culpability of drinking and driving appeared to depend on the consequences produced. The perceived seriousness of this behavior varied according to whether it led to a secondary unsafe driving act or whether it was associated with serious harm to others. When neither of these occurred, drinking and driving was not viewed as being significantly more serious than no unsafe behavior. Some implications of these findings for safety are discussed.