Citation

Gabany SG, Plummer P, Grigg P. J. Saf. Res. 1997; 28(1): 29-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study reports initial results of a project to better understand the factors that predispose, enable, and reinforce drivers' speeding behavior. This information is essential for successful traffic safety programs. A perceptual inventory was developed and administered to a large, college-age sample. High levels of internal consistency were found. Factor analysis suggested five predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing constructs: 1. (a) Ego-gratification;2. (b) Risk-taking;3. (c) Time pressures;4. (d) Disdain of driving;5. (e) Inattention. Males agreed more strongly than females with ego-gratification items; younger subjects agreed more strongly with risk-taking and less strongly with time pressures items than older subjects; and, females agreed more strongly than males with time pressures, disdain of driving, and inattention items. The perceptual inventory approach shows promise over behavioral and attitudinal self-reports, particularly when self-reported referent criteria are difficult to obtain. Results from the inventory can be used to target traffic safety and health education programs, and can be incorporated into discussions of traffic safety policy, legislation, and enforcement.