Perceptions of the average driver's speed compared to perceived driver safety and driving skill.
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Open Access Location
Authors
Walton, D.
Bathurst, J.
Keywords
Self-enhancement bias
Driver attitudes
Safety perception
Skill perception
Speed perception
Downward Comparison Theory
Driver attitudes
Safety perception
Skill perception
Speed perception
Downward Comparison Theory
Description of form
Publisher
Rights
TBA
Rights holder
Issue Date
1998
Peer-reviewed status
Type
Working Paper
Abstract
This study investigates the self-enhancement bias in driver attitudes, the finding that drivers rate themselves better than the average driver on safety and skill perceptions (Svenson, 1978, 1981; McCormick, Walkey & Green, 1986). A sample of 86 New Zealand drivers were asked their perceptions of their own and others' speeds in two conditions, 50 km/h and 100 km/h. The results established the self-enhancement bias for speed and safety, but not skill. Between 85% and 90% of drivers claimed to drive slower than the 'average driver.' A new methodological technique derived from Harr? and Gillett (1994) was used to investigate the direction of the self-enhancement bias. The results support Downward Comparison Theory (Wills, 1981) because drivers consider other drivers negatively, rather than exaggerating their self-perceptions.
Citation
Walton, D., & Bathurst, J. (1998). Perceptions of the average driver's speed compared to perceived driver safety and driving skill (Working Papers No. 1-98). Lower Hutt, New Zealand: The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.