Self-Reported Speeding Intention and Expected Consequences of Speeding Among South African Drivers: An Exploratory Study

• NCJ Number: 217320
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 34-41
• Author(s): W. Renner; K. Peltzer
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided PDF link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon. Downloaded February 12, 2007

Annotation

This study explored South African drivers’ attitudes toward speeding.

Abstract

Results indicated that the highest probability for speeding within the next 12 months was found for the highway scenario and the lowest probability for speeding occurred for the busy shopping street scenario. Men and those with less education intended to speed significantly more often than women and those with more education. More negative consequences associated with speeding were perceived by women, older drivers, and drivers with more education. Frequent drivers were less likely to expect negative consequences from speeding than infrequent drivers. No racial differences emerged for intentions to speed or for perceived negative consequences. The findings suggest that safety campaigns emphasizing the negative consequences of speeding may not be effective. Instead, the authors suggest that speeding in South Africa should be addressed through enhanced traffic control and traffic policing measures. Participants were 100 Black and 100 White drivers recruited from 3 shopping centers and 3 gas stations randomly selected from an urban area in the Northern Province of South Africa. Participants completed a brief questionnaire that included five speeding scenarios: (1) a quiet residential road; (2) a busy shopping street; (3) a two-lane highway; (4) a winding country road; and (5) a clear road in a small town. Participants indicated how often they thought they would speed during the next 12 months in each scenario. Measures were also included for the perceived seriousness, riskiness, and annoyance associated with speeding. Tables, figure, references