TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1998//
TI  - An exploration of the perceptions of the average driver's speed compared to perceived driver safety and driving skill
JO  - Accident analysis and prevention
A1  - Bathurst, J.
A1  - Walton, D.
SP  - 821
EP  - 830
VL  - 30
IS  - 6
N2  - This study investigates the self-enhancement bias in driver attitudes, the finding that drivers rate themselves better than the average driver on safety and skill perceptions (Svenson, 1978, 1981; McCormick et al., 1986). A sample of 86 New Zealand drivers were asked their perceptions of their own and others' speeds in two conditions, 50 km/h and 100 km/h. The results established the self-enhancement bias for speed and safety, but not skill. Between 85% and 90% of drivers claimed to drive slower than the 'average driver.' A new methodological technique derived from Harras and Gillett was used to investigate the direction of the self-enhancement bias. The results support the Downward Comparison Theory because drivers consider other drivers negatively, rather than exaggerating their self-perceptions.
LA  - en
SN  - 0001-4575
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -