An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict the Protective Behaviors from Urban Traffic Accidents

Iran has the highest annual fatality rate in traffic accidents among countries in the world.  This study is designed to predict the protective behaviors of intra-urban traffic accidents based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

This descriptive-analytic study was conducted in 2022 in Yazd city on 140 people with driver's license using stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire with three parts including demographic variables, evaluation of the TPB constructs, and assessment of socio-cultural factors of driving behaviors.  Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 26 using one-sample t-test, Chi-square, and univariate linear regression tests.

In this study, the mean age of subjects was 39/1 with a standard deviation of 11. Based on the results of the study, 33% of the variance related to protective driving behavior could be predicted with the variables included in the model. The constructs of behavioral intention (β=0/414, p<0/0001) and perceived behavioral control (β= 0/246 p= 0/003) were the determinants of protective behaviors in Yazd city drivers.

In the present study, the perceived behavioral control was the strongest predictor of protective behavioral intention in intra-urban driving. Sometimes, performing a behavior necessitates the acquisition of skills that a person lacks, and increasing perceived behavioral control can lead to improved driving skills. Therefore, TPB offers an effective theoretical framework for increasing the efficacy of traffic accident prevention initiatives.