This brief article discusses recent developments in the field of health research and intervention and how these might be of interest to the field of road safety. The author points out the recognition of the central role of behaviour in determining health; efforts to promote health have had to seek an understanding of behaviour, drawing on the social and behavioural sciences. If this psychosocial approach were applied to road safety research it would allow the establishment of a taxonomy of all the driving behaviours which are risk factors for crashes and associated injuries; in turn this understanding would make possible the design of intervention programs with a logical basis for success. Risk behaviour has been found to have positive as well as negative outcomes; therefore it is necessary to investigate the social and psychological costs and benefits associated with speeding, or drinking and driving, or not using seat belts, for example. There is also a need for research that explores the linkages and covariations among the behaviours within the category of risky driving, such as drinking and driving, drug taking and driving, sleepy driving, expressive driving, speeding, insufficient headroom, non use of seat belts etc.; risk driving in turn should be studied in relation to other risk behaviours or lifestyles, such as illicit drug use, voilence and aggression. Much can be learned for road safety from the emphasis on health promotion as an alternative to deterrence campaigns.
Abstract