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Passenger complaints about driver behaviors.
Kathleen M Dillon1, Danielle L Dunn
1Western New England College, Springfield, MA 01119, USA. kdillon@wnec.edu
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|June 16, 2005
Summary
Couples reported that riskier driving behaviors led to more passenger complaints. However, increased complaining did not improve driver behavior or safety perceptions, suggesting it is an ineffective strategy in shared driving.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Transportation Safety
- Human Behavior
Background:
- Shared driving experiences often involve complex interpersonal dynamics.
- Passenger feedback and driver responses can significantly influence driving behavior and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between driver risk-taking, passenger complaints, and perceived driving ability and safety.
- To understand the effectiveness of passenger complaints in modifying driver behavior.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 52 couples regarding their in-car driving interactions.
- Individual ratings of driver behavior, passenger complaints, and perceived effects.
- Assessment of driver ability, safety, and retaliatory driving behaviors.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between driver risk-taking and passenger complaints.
- Increased passenger complaints were associated with decreased perceived helpfulness for both driver and passenger.
- Passengers perceived riskier driving as less safe, while drivers did not share this perception.
Conclusions:
- Passenger complaints about risky driving do not appear to improve driver behavior or safety perceptions.
- Discrepancies exist between drivers' and passengers' perceptions of driving safety and risk.