The article analyses the phenomenon of the motor car and driving behaviour in terms of current psychological theories, particularly the motivation theory of Henri A. Murray (1938) and the acceptibility / availability approach described by Rose (1990). These theories contain a system of concepts for the analysis of driving behaviour and for the development of intervention strategies to influence this behaviour. Psychological and social/contextual aspects of human behaviour are partly the product of previous developments in the meanings, functions and appraisal of that behaviour. This analysis would therefore not be complete without an initial examination of the phenomenon of the motor car in a historical perspective and the extent to which historically defined meanings and motives determine driving behaviour. In as much as the car is an excellent way of satisfying basic human motives and needs, current car use and driving habits can primarily be explained in terms of the acceptibility / availability hypothesis, on the basis of which recommendations for reduction and control can be made.
Abstract