The role of fines and rewards in the self-regulation of young drivers

Abstract

Purpose The current study examined the relations between objective and subjective measures of driving patterns, focusing on traffic violations. In addition, the study explored the potential use of rewards in order to modify driving behaviors and examined the relationship between attitudinal and demographic variables and the frequency of speeding. Method We acquired subjective and objective data on driving behaviors in a sample of 114 young student drivers in Israel's Southern region. We used a survey to acquire data on the participants' history of violations, self-reported driving behavior, and subjective attitudes towards risks and fines. We then examined the participants' objective driving behaviors using Get Location, a specifically designed smartphone application. Results We found a substantive gap between subjective and objective data regarding traffic violations, but they were also significantly correlated. The demographic variables, including gender, failed to distinguish between frequent and non-frequent speeders, while attitudinal variables succeeded. Frequent speeders required a significantly higher potential reward, as well as a higher fine to motivate behavioral changes. Conclusion Self-reported data can serve as a reasonable proxy for measuring the tendency to adopt particular driving patterns, including the tendency to engage in violations. In addition, the use of rewards can complement or possibly replace the reliance on negative sanctions in order to modify behavior.

The Effectiveness of Different Incentive Programs to Encourage Safe Driving

“…As in the current study, Merrikhpour et al [44] found that providing feedback increased compliance with speed limits, and that this positive effect was still apparent after the experiment was over, albeit to a weaker degree. Our results are also consistent with Elias [13], who demonstrated that the use of rewards could complement or possibly replace the reliance on negative sanctions to modify behavior.…”

“…While sanctions reduce the number of offenses, their influence on crashes seems limited [9,11,12] and not necessarily well-maintained over the long term [9]. While numerous studies examined the effectiveness of penalties and enforcement as a tool for changing driver behavior, good or appropriate behavior is rarely highlighted in the road safety field [13].…”

Vehicle yielding probability estimation model at unsignalized midblock crosswalks in Shanghai, China

“…According to the Situational Action Theory [ 49 ], people who have a tendency to commit crimes may obey the law for fear of potential legal consequences. The presence of ePolice is an incentive for drivers to do the right thing under the circumstances and yield [ 37 ]. Thus we can recommend that where space allows, wider roads to have median islands and installation of ePolice to enhance the safety of pedestrians using the crosswalk.…”

“…Approach speed of a vehicle at the crosswalk is also an important contributor to yielding or lack of it. Some studies [ 20 , 34 – 37 ] notes that a yield can only be possible if a driver can reasonably react to the arrival of a pedestrian, given the vehicle travel speed, distance from the conflict area, and maximum (comfortable) deceleration rate for the individual driver. However, higher rates of yielding were observed when approach speed was lower against pedestrians crossing in groups.…”

Topical collection on the role of planning towards sustainable urban mobility

“…Elias [7] studies the relationship between the objective and subjective measures that influence traffic violations in driving behaviour. The study also examines the use of rewards as a measure to change driving behaviour in young student drivers in the southern region of Israel.…”