Attitudes, Behaviour and Risk Perception Among Young Norwegian Drivers. Torbjorn Rundmo and Paal Ulleberg, Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7055 Dragvoll, Norway, e-mail torbjorn.rundmo@svt.ntnu.no
Aims of the study: The core aim of the present paper is to analyse the associations between adolescents' perception of risk of traffic accidents, risk-taking attitudes related to driving and driving behaviour. The study also examines possible moderator effects of personality in the relation between risk perception, attitudes and driving behaviour.
Material and methods: A self-completion questionnaire survey was carried out among 2000 adolescent between 18 and 20 years of age in two Norwegian counties. The Road Authorities of the two counties collected the data in January and February 1999. The questionnaire contained scales measuring perception of risk, risk-taking attitudes towards driving and driving behaviour. Personality measures included sensation seeking, trait-anxiety and aggression.
Results and conclusion: Multivariate analyses showed significant associations between risk perception, risk-taking attitudes and driving behaviour. In addition, there were moderating effects of personality. The results indicate that measures aimed at promoting traffic safety among adolescents should not ignore attitudes, personality, as well as the role played by unrealistic optimism regarding one's chances of being involved in an accident.
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