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Evaluating an Intervention to Reduce Risky Driving Behaviors: Taking the Fear Out of Virtual Reality
Clara Alida Cutello1, Michaela Gummerum2, Yaniv Hanoch3
1School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis
|November 20, 2020
Summary
Positive road safety films, especially in virtual reality (VR), effectively reduce risky driving behaviors in young drivers. Fear-based messages in VR, however, may increase risky driving.
Area of Science:
- Road safety
- Human-computer interaction
- Behavioral psychology
Background:
- Educational programs are common for reducing risky driving.
- Effectiveness depends on content framing (fear vs. positive) and delivery technology (2D vs. VR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of framed road safety films (fear vs. positive) and delivery modalities (2D vs. VR) on young drivers' self-reported risky driving behaviors.
Main Methods:
- 146 university students were randomly assigned to four conditions: VR/2D and positive/fear-framed films.
- Questionnaires assessed risky driving attitudes pre- and post-intervention (2 weeks).
- Emotional arousal and risk-taking willingness were measured.
Main Results:
- Positively framed films significantly reduced risky driving behaviors in both VR and 2D, with VR showing a greater effect.
- Fear appeal films in VR increased, rather than decreased, self-reported risky driving behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Positively framed messages are more effective for reducing risky driving, particularly when delivered via VR.
- Fear appeals in VR may be counterproductive for reducing risky driving behaviors in young drivers.
