In contrast to the 'dispositional' view of offending (that offenders are driven by internal forces over which they have little control) the rational choice perspective conceives of the offender as choosing to commit crimes in order to satisfy certain needs. In so far as the process necessarily involves the potential offender in an attempt to wight up the opportunities, costs, and benefits of offending, the decision-making is said to be rational (Cornish and Clarke 1986). Rational choice theory has been developed and discussed by several writers and especially by Cornish and Clarke (1989). In this paper the authors examine traffic offending in the light particularly of the latters' approach. First they summarize the main points of Cornish and Clarke (1989) presentation of the theory, and then the authors describe data selected from their own research as relevant. After consideration the extent to which this material fits Cornish and Clarke's framework, the authors broaden the approach by discussing the concept of limited rationality in regard to breaches of traffic laws. Finally, the authors examine the implications of their findings for reducing offending on the roads. (Author/publisher)
Abstract