A Model of High-Risk Driving Behaviors of Commercial Vehicle Drivers Based on Measures of Behavior and Attitudes

This comprehensive study investigates the complex factors influencing high-risk driving behaviors and crash likelihood among commercial vehicle drivers. Based on the research findings, perceived social acceptance of high-risk driving was positively associated with subjective norms regarding such behaviors (0.63). These subjective norms, in turn, had a strong positive relation with pro-high-risk driving attitudes (0.70). Conversely, negative beliefs about the consequences of high-risk driving were negatively associated with attitudes toward those behaviors (-0.54). Personality traits like extraversion and psychoticism showed moderate positive relationships with accepting attitudes toward high-risk driving (0.42). Personal acceptance of high-risk driving behaviors itself strongly predicted positive attitudes (0.77).
The driver's affect and mood state negatively impacted risk perception (-0.62), with lower perceived risk associated with increased intention for high-risk driving (-0.74). Compliance and enforcement actions positively influenced perceived behavioral control over risky acts (0.50), which then positively predicted deliberate engagement in those behaviors (0.60). Notably, attitudes emerged as the strongest predictor of behavioral intentions (0.75), with cautious attitudes relating to safer intended behaviors, and risk-accepting attitudes associating with riskier intentions.
The findings highlight the importance of targeting multiple factors to promote safer commercial driving, including core beliefs about the consequences of high-risk behavior, perceived social norms, personal acceptance of risky practices, relevant personality effects, and accurate risk assessments.