Traffic Risk Perception, Risk Tolerance and Driving Behaviours In Ghana: A Case Study Among Commercial

Abstract

The current study examine the effect of risk tolerance and different components of risk perceptions influence in driving behaviour. A sample of 151 driver was conveniently sampled in Accra, Ghana for the study. The tests that were used for the study included the risk perception scale, hypothetical risk tolerance scale, the five factor inventory and the driver behaviour questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to test for the construct validity of the items within the Ghanaian context and the hypothesis were tested using series of hierarchical multiple regressions. Findings from a series of multiple regression analysis showed the risk tolerance was found to increase overall risky driving behaviours and three components of risk driving behaviours, aggressive violations, ordinary violations and errors but not lapses. Risk perceptions positively predicted driving behaviours. When the two components of risk perceptions where analysed, it was observed that only effective components of risk perception positively predicted driving behaviours. Neuroticism moderated the relationship between risk perception and driving behaviours. The findings are discussed within the context of promoting safety driving among commercial drivers in Ghana.