Work

“Why were you speeding?”: A self-confrontation study on awareness and reasons for speed behaviour

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Despite extensive prevention, speeding remains a major contributor to traffic casualties. Understanding drivers’ perceived awareness and the subjective reasons for their speed behaviour could improve intervention strategies, and specifically inform the potential of speed feedback. A self-confrontation study was conducted in which 25 regular drivers recorded one of their drives using GoPro cameras, capturing both the road view and their speed, and selected video excerpts were later discussed with these participants. The study explored participants’ awareness and reasons for their speed behaviour, as well as general attitudes towards speeding, perceptions of its problematic nature, the acceptability of exceeding speed limits, and decision-making in speed choice. This study design aimed to provide an objective basis for the interviews and reduce recall biases. The results revealed that drivers show a latent awareness of their speeding behaviour, which they most often justified as usual, normal and safe. This general tolerance towards speeding suggests the normalisation of speed violations. As a result, individual safety interventions, such as feedback on driving behaviour, may not be effective. Prevention efforts should focus on changing norms, common beliefs and systemic factors regarding speeding.

Source: Transportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2024.12.015

Authors: Angèle Picco, Arjan Stuiver, Joost De Winter, Dick De Waard

Institution: University of Groningen

Language: English

Topic: Traffic and Road Safety

Subfield: Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,950

Funders: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek