Psychological factors influencing young Iranian’s traffic behavior: driving in speed and using pedestrian signal crossing

The current study examined traffic behaviour of young drivers in two settings, pedestrian signal crossing and driving in speed, applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The aims were to examine the TPB in the two settings; the relationship between the TPB variables in the pedestrian signal crossing setting and that of driving in speed; the effect of age, gender and level of education on the TPB variables for the two settings. 188 young drivers with mean age of 22.7 and 67% male participated in the study. A questionnaire designed based on the TPB was used. Intention to drive in speed was influenced by attitudes and perceived behavioural control. Intention to use pedestrian signal crossing was influenced by attitude. Intention to drive in speed was correlated with intention to use pedestrian signal crossing. Men had higher intention to exceed the speed limit, hold a more positive view for driving in speed, felt higher pressure from significant others not to comply with the speed limit. Men also perceived less control over their use of pedestrian signal crossing. The level of education and age did not have any effect. Results are discussed with theoretical and educational considerations.