A1 Journal article (refereed)
Beliefs and attitudes of Australian learner drivers toward driving and avoiding driving through floodwater (2023)

Hamilton, K., Keech, J. J., Peden, A. E., & Hagger, M. S. (2023). Beliefs and attitudes of Australian learner drivers toward driving and avoiding driving through floodwater. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 94, 492-503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2023.02.014

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Hamilton, Kyra; Keech, Jacob J.; Peden, Amy E.; Hagger, Martin S.

Journal or series: Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

ISSN: 1369-8478

eISSN: 1873-5517

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 21/03/2023

Volume: 94

Pages range: 492-503

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2023.02.014

Research data link: https://osf.io/rndxz/

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86170

Abstract

Driving through floodwater is a significant cause of flood-related injury and mortality, and opportunities exist to embed safe driving messages regarding floodwaters to novice drivers in graduated driver licensing schemes. To inform future educational efforts, we investigated the beliefs and attitudes of Australian learner drivers about driving and avoiding driving through floodwaters. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional correlational design with measures drawn from the theory of planned behaviour and administered within an online survey. Phase 1 (N = 44 learner drivers) aimed to identify the core beliefs associated with driving through floodwater. Phase 2 (N = 250 learner drivers) tested these beliefs predicting willingness to drive through floodwater as well as the social psychological factors that predict learner drivers’ willingness to drive and avoid driving through floodwater using a pre-tested scenario. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, linear regression, and structural equation models. Results: Ten key beliefs were identified as predicting willingness to drive through floodwater. These included perceived advantages and disadvantages, perceived social approval from important others, and perceived facilitators and barriers regarding driving through floodwater in the presented scenario. Structural equation models of social cognition constructs of the theory of planned behaviour revealed attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control predicted both willingness to drive and avoid driving through floodwater. Past experience as a passenger also predicted these social cognition constructs, although this differed across models. Discussion: Results highlight the importance of modelling safe driving behaviour for young passengers. The strong association between subjective norm and willingness to drive through floodwater further highlights the importance of those supervising learner drivers to establish expectations around avoiding driving through the floodwater if it is encountered on a driving route. Conclusion: Social cognition factors from the theory of planned behaviour predict willingness to drive and avoid driving though floodwater. Theory-based targets should be considered for the development of intervention programs for novice drivers, such as those holding learner licenses.

Keywords: traffic safety; traffic behaviour; motoring; motor vehicle drivers; floods; risks; drivers (occupations); conceptions; attitudes; driving instruction

Free keywords: drowning; injury; risk; education; road; safety; disaster; driver; learner permit; theory of planned behaviour

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1