This paper presents three studies at Brunel University to link traffic offending and accidents. The first study explored the nature and extent of unlawful driving behaviour and its association with accidents, and the reasons why drivers break or adhere to various driving laws. It aimed to show that more understanding of drivers' motivations can lead to better understanding of the controls needed to prevent or reduce road offences. The second study, of drivers caught speeding by the police, showed that almost two thirds of them did not feel guilty and only a quarter accepted that they had committed a crime. Faster drivers were more confident of an accident not happening, and tended to speed less often with a higher risk of being caught and/or penalty. The third study examined the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing speed; many of those who slowed down also did so on roads without speed cameras.
Abstract