The author of this paper argues that road users in general and drivers in particular can learn unsafe behaviour, as a result of their accumulation of experience on roads. Unsafe behaviour, and the resulting involvement in accident(s), can be shaped. However, it is possible to introduce learning processes, to counteract the effects of unsuitable rules derived from experience. These processes include: (1) the enforcement of imposed 'safety' rules; (2) the replacement of unsafe models of driving by more appropriate models in the media; (3) the prompting of safe behaviour at locations or in situations where it is required; (4) the rewarding of safe behaviour; and (5) the punishment of unsafe behaviour. Learning about how to behave on the road is an ongoing process throughout the driver's life on the road. Some drivers suffer from 'learned riskiness'; they have experienced conditions which prevent them from learning safe behaviour on the road. The paper refers to many relevant studies of driving behaviour. For the covering abstract see IRRD 870346.
Abstract