Identification of Inappropriate Driving Behaviors

Abstract

Certain inappropriate driving behaviors (IDBs) can result in unsafe driving conditions and increased accident potential. It is believed that some IDBs may be reduced by educating the general public (specifically, high‐risk driver groups) about the potential consequences through increased public awareness. Twenty‐five IDBs were identified and ranked according to: (1) The opinions of experts in the field of driver behavior considering accident potential, seriousness of consequences, and ease of correction; and (2) accident frequencies and rates using Pennsylvania accident data for 1984–86. A comprehensive literature search supplemented these efforts. A synthesis of all the analyses led to the following key statements to be used in the development of strategies for the campaign: (1) Young drivers consistently overrate their own ability and level of risk. (2) Younger males and older females have the highest accident rates; drivers under 19 and over 70 also have the highest accident costs. (3) Males are most often responsible across all age groups. (4) Speeding is the most frequent IDB of the IDBs causing accidents. (5) Over 50% of all accidents in Pennsylvania (1984–86) were the result of failure‐to‐yield situations, tailgating, or driving in the wrong lane, and (6) IDBs that appear to be the easiest to modify currently represent the smaller portions of total accidents.