Arrive Alive

Driver Attitude and Speeding

Driver Attitude and SpeedingAn International Study in Scotland on speeding and driver attitude concluded that:

Attitudes on speed-related attitudes - to speed limits, speed cameras remain unchanged.

Drivers are attached to their cars and the possibilities that they offer. They encourage and maintain particular patterns of household location, work, leisure and familial and social networks. But they also enable drivers to speed.

Many, though not all, drivers speed. At the broadest level of analysis, drivers will exceed the speed limit if they have the opportunity to, feel the obligation to, or cannot resist the inclination to. The type of road they are driving on, the type of car they drive and the present road, weather and traffic conditions provide different opportunities for speeding. Felt obligations and responsibilities to those awaiting them at their destination and, for some, to the transient others with whom they are presently sharing the road, influence their speed choice. Inclinations to drive fast vary systematically with age and, to a lesser and decreasing extent, with gender.

  • Reducing speeding behaviour requires reducing the opportunities that facilitate fast driving, reducing the lifestyle obligations that cause drivers to speed up, and modifying inclinations to speed by enhancing the power to resist them. The first is, in principle, straightforward: change cars and roads. Price and status differentials between different makes and models of cars could be preserved, and cars remain attractive, even if none were capable of speeds substantially in excess of the maximum statutory permitted velocity. Making highways safe and comfortable to drive on - a smooth and quiet surface long bends with a smooth camber, good sightlines - also makes them attractive to speed on.
  • Reducing the presses to speed from time and schedule pressure where behaviour is ruled by timetables, appointments and arrangements entered into would also be difficult, requiring a general reduction in the pace of modern life. Recognising and resisting the perceived pressure to ‘keep up’ with the traffic around you is not easy, just as overcoming any habitual behaviour supported by social norms requires hard, and sometimes seemingly thankless, the expenditure of effort.
  • The inclination to speed remains. Amongst female drivers access to faster cars and the potential for the enjoyment of speed is increasing. Amongst males, the thrill of speed - and the pleasure of a fast bend nicely judged - may not decrease with age.
  • To change a person’s behaviour requires either changing the person or changing the conditions under which they operate.

 

Also view:

Speeding and Analysis of Speed in Crash Investigation

Average Speed Over Distance Traffic Enforcement and Road Safety

Speed as a Contributing Factor to Road Crashes

Loading...

Search Road Safety Articles

Latest Pages

Safe Driving in the Dust

Safe Driving in the Dust

Dust is generated by the wind blowing over loose topsoil or sand, picking up so much material that visibility is seriously reduced or by vehicles travelling at speed across it. There are numerous occupational safety, health and environmental hazards and associated risks pertaining to or as a result

Read More

The Health Risks of Exposure to Dust

The Health Risks of Exposure to Dust

First responders come across many situations where dust is present, such as factories, dusty roads, concrete-cutting facilities and even workshops. Dust is found in many places on a job site and can be hazardous to your health a somewhat detailed explanation of these hazards is explained below. The

Read More

Buying Quality Auto Parts and Safety on the Road

Buying Quality Auto Parts and Safety on the Road

On the Arrive Alive website, we emphasize the importance of vehicle roadworthiness and maintenance. The auto parts industry plays a significant role in enabling vehicle owners and mechanics to keep vehicles in roadworthy condition! But what are the risks, pitfalls and advice we need to know when searching

Read More

Toll Roads in South Africa

Toll Roads in South Africa

Why have toll roads? Roads form the main artery of economic competitiveness, growth and social development. To Build roads costs billions of rands. Toll roads assist us in meeting the demands of social services, which are important for the growth of our country. Toll roads accelerate the availability

Read More

Learner drivers: A Guide for parents and learners

Learner drivers: A Guide for parents and learners

While passing a K53 driving test is not the only preparation needed to drive safely on South African roads, it is the only legal requirement to receive a license. It is up to teachers of new drivers to share their experiences to develop their skills. Seasoned drivers need to spend time not just prepping

Read More

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

Please note: You are presently at the website established for the domain name www.arrivealive.co.za. This website is a public-private partnership to enhance awareness of road safety via the internet. The www.arrivealive.co.za website was developed solely with the intention to enhance road safety

Read More

Load More Pages

Partners

View All