Mark J M Sullman1, Amanda N Stephens2, Karl Pajo3. 1. a Driving Research Group, Cranfield University , Cranfield , UK. 2. b Monash University Accident Research Centre, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia. 3. c Massey University , Wellington , New Zealand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the relationships between safety climate and driving behavior and crash involvement. METHODS: A total of 339 company-employed truck drivers completed a questionnaire that measured their perceptions of safety climate, crash record, speed choice, and aberrant driving behaviors (errors, lapses, and violations). RESULTS: Although there was no direct relationship between the drivers' perceptions of safety climate and crash involvement, safety climate was a significant predictor of engagement in risky driving behaviors, which were in turn predictive of crash involvement. CONCLUSIONS: This research shows that safety climate may offer an important starting point for interventions aimed at reducing risky driving behavior and thus fewer vehicle collisions.
OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the relationships between safety climate and driving behavior and crash involvement. METHODS: A total of 339 company-employed truck drivers completed a questionnaire that measured their perceptions of safety climate, crash record, speed choice, and aberrant driving behaviors (errors, lapses, and violations). RESULTS: Although there was no direct relationship between the drivers' perceptions of safety climate and crash involvement, safety climate was a significant predictor of engagement in risky driving behaviors, which were in turn predictive of crash involvement. CONCLUSIONS: This research shows that safety climate may offer an important starting point for interventions aimed at reducing risky driving behavior and thus fewer vehicle collisions.