There are only a few theories which can be used as a basis for research and practice in traffic psychology. Accident proneness has long been considered antiquated. Risk homeostasis is also problematic and, at best, applicable to a very limited domain. Although the analysis of road traffic by system theory is to be welcomed, attention should be drawn to the fact that this hardly permits conclusions about driver behaviour in the actual traffic situation. Prognosis based on theories of general psychology is also only restrictedly possible. Theories of learning explain the formation processes of behaviour in traffic, but are not qualified to predict specific actions which take place in spite of and contrary to learned behaviour patterns. Other models could be considered, but they can only explain certain aspects (i.e. perception, motivation, social aspects). A comprehensive theoretical concept in traffic psychology is therefore necessary. Driving in the actual traffic situation should be the main issue of such a concept. Predispositions and determinants of action should also be included as relevant components. Based on these three observance levels, a theory of action could be defined which would take more account of the characteristics of driving and which would include the concept of risk. (A) This paper was included in the proceedings of a CEC workshop on risky decision-making in transport held at the TNO Institute for Perception, The Netherlands, 9-11 November 1986.
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