2013 journal article

An empirical assessment of driver motivation and emotional states in perceived safety margins under varied driving conditions

ERGONOMICS, 56(2), 256–267.

author keywords: driver motivation models; vehicle safety margins; traffic pattern; driver incentives; driving environment complexity
MeSH headings : Attention; Automobile Driving / psychology; Computer Simulation; Decision Making; Emotions; Female; Humans; Male; Motivation; Reinforcement, Psychology; Risk-Taking; Safety; Social Conformity; Social Values; Young Adult
TL;DR: This study provides empirical justification for two motivation factors in driver risk-taking decisions, including compliance with social norm and emotions triggered by incentives, and recommended safety margin measures sensitive to changes inDriver risk tolerance. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 6, 2018

Motivation models in driving behaviour postulate that driver motives and emotional states dictate risk tolerance under various traffic conditions. The present study used time and driver performance-based payment systems to manipulate motivation and risk-taking behaviour. Ten participants drove to a predefined location in a simulated driving environment. Traffic patterns (density and velocity) were manipulated to cause driver behaviour adjustments due to the need to conform with the social norms of the roadway. The driving environment complexity was investigated as a mediating factor in risk tolerance. Results revealed the performance-based payment system to closely relate to risk-taking behaviour as compared with the time-based payment system. Drivers conformed with social norms associated with specific traffic patterns. Higher roadway complexity led to a more conservative safety margins and speeds. This research contributes to the further development of motivational models of driver behaviour. Practitioner Summary: This study provides empirical justification for two motivation factors in driver risk-taking decisions, including compliance with social norm and emotions triggered by incentives. Environment complexity was identified as a mediating factor in motivational behaviour model. This study also recommended safety margin measures sensitive to changes in driver risk tolerance.