By 2020, it is estimated that road accidents will have moved from ninth to third in the worldwide ranking of burden of disease, as assessed in the disability adjusted life years (DALY). Therefore, it is vital to find effective methods to enhance road safety. Speed limits and traffic calming have the potential to reduce injuries due to road accidents. Many drivers, however, do not adhere to speed limits. Several studies have shown that adherence to speed limits can be explained by the theory of planned behaviour and that it is possible to focus on drivers’ intentions via self-report questionnaires. It is often difficult, however, to reach the majority of drivers on accident-prone locations with self-report questionnaires. This paper demonstrates an intervention that can be interpreted in the light of two of the theory’s key variables. It also has the potential to reach a large number of drivers on such locations. It is a speed-displaying device mounted next to the road (especially in villages). It tells drivers their actual speed (which is publicly visible). The measurement takes place continuously, giving the driver the chance to adjust speed and see the new speed shortly thereafter. The results show that the feedback about the current speed is associated with a significant speed reduction relative to a Control condition. (Author/publisher)
Abstract