Citation

Rajalin S, Poysti L. Liikenneturvan tutkimusmonisteita 2006; (104).

Vernacular Title

Kuljettajien vuorovaikutus ja koetut riskit liikenteessa. Vertailututkimus vuosilta 1988 ja 2006

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

At the end of the 1980's, Liikenneturva studied the impact of drivers' mutual interaction with regards to risk aking behaviour in traffic. In both the year 1988 and 2006, negative traffic attitudes were perceived to be the most dangerous factor in traffic. Heavy traffic was perceived to be the most dangerous factor more often than previously and poor roads and passing were felt to be less of a threat this time. These changes connect especially with the men's experiences. Women mention, more often than men, other drivers' activities - such as speeding or intense rhythm of traffic - as the most dangerous factor in traffic. The majority of the drivers had feelings of fear and anxiety in traffic. In 1988 seven per cent of those polled replied that they are generally not afraid in traffic. By 2006 that share had shrunk to five per cent. The drivers' fears most commonly relate to elements of surprise that they can not influence themselves. Most often the drivers are afraid of drunk drivers, deer, slippery conditions or hydroplaning. Both men and women are nowadays more afraid of drunk drivers, deer and reckless drivers. Both the sexes are now less afraid of cyclists and pedestrians. Men are also less afraid of slippery conditions and poor visibility. Both in 1988 and 2006 the drivers were irritated by tailgating drivers and dangerous passes made by other drivers. Between 1988 and 2006 the irritation caused by other drivers' disregard for traffic rules had increased 15 per cent units. Irritation caused by getting stuck in a traffic jam, poor roads or other people's apparent errors had decreased. With regards to the question "Do you take more risks when you are angry?" there was not a marked difference between the answers of 1988 and 2006. Over half of the polled replied that anger does not influence risk-taking. About 10 % assessed that it did have an effect. The older the driver, the less likely he/she is to let anger affect his/her driving behaviour. The differences between men and women were visible in this study too. Men are typically annoyed by factors that compromise the smooth flow of traffic, while women get irritated by factors which affect safety. The traffic culture could be characterised to be more tolerant now than 20 years ago. This report may be found at http://www.liikenneturva.fi/fi/tutkimus/tutkimusmonisteet/liitetiedostot/kuljettajien_vuorovaikutus104_2006.pdf

Keywords: Close following; Attitudes; Behavior; Drivers; Drunk driving; Fear; Females; Freight transportation; High risk drivers; Intoxication; Males; Risk taking

Language: fi