The current speed limit on dutch motorways is violated on a large scale. In order to improve compliance with the speed limit it is necessary to gain insight into the determinants of speed choice. The aim of the present study is to gain insight into the main determinants of habitual speed choice of light vehicle drivers on motorways. Fishbein and ajzen's model of reasoned action has been applied in the present study. The data were collected by means of a mailed questionnaire among a sample of car drivers whose driving speed was registered while driving on a four or six lane motorway. The response percentage was 61%. The results indicate that violating the current speed limit is attractive to a majority of the car drivers and is considered socially acceptable by them. The current threat of penalties has virtually no influence on speed choice. A clear majority of the car drivers is in favour of increasing the speed limit. Most drivers advocate a limit of 120 km/h. The results distinguished four categories of car drivers namely, in order of increasing speed, drivers who use their car mainly for private purposes, drivers who use their car mainly for the work trip, drivers who use their own car during their work and drivers who use a car during their work but do not own it. These categories could be differentiated by means of characteristics as well.
Abstract