Predictors of aberrant driving behavior: Traffic risk perception, attitudes and intention to exceeding the speed limits

The aim of the current study was to assess the prediction of intention to drive at speed by traffic risk perception and constructs of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The second aim was to predict aberrant driving behavior by traffic risk perception, TPB constructs and intention. A total of 100 students participated in the study. Four questionnaires were administrated including a demographic questionnaire, traffic risk perception questionnaire, a TPB based questionnaire and aberrant driving behavior questionnaire. The results indicated that the three constructs of TPB from strongest to the weakest were perceived behavioral control, behavioral attitude and subjective norm which predicted intention to drive at speed. Age, gender and traffic risk perception were non-significant. Also, behavioral attitude predicted aberrant driving behavior. In conclusion, attitudes to drive at speed are most important than traffic risk perception for motivation to drive at speed and performing aberrant driving behaviour. The implication is to decrease instrumental-affective attitudes towards driving at speed and to increase positive attitudes towards compliance with speed limits through educational programmes.