Assessment of Reasons for Driver Speeding and Estimation of Penalty Probability

Abstract

Road safety is a global issue that requires a scientific approach to develop safety research methodologies that lead to sound conclusions. Regarding driver behavior and safety, speed is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths. Speed is, therefore, one of the most studied issues related to road safety. The main objective of this study is to identify the frequency and reasons for a driver speeding in Baghdad city. In addition, drivers have been evaluated in terms of penalty probabilities, penalties imposed, and their type. Finally, this paper also investigated drivers' opinions on the effectiveness of such penalties in changing speed behavior. Eight hundred sixteen drivers were the studied sample in Baghdad city for three years. As a result, it was found that about one-third of the drivers were either driving too fast all the time or sometimes. Among the particular reasons, the most common was the rush, not realizing the speed, limits were too low, or the conditions allowed it. Similarly, the chances of getting caught are considered limited. Additionally, half of the penalized drivers said their speed habits changed due to such penalties. A speeding driver is fully aware that they are violating traffic rules. Approximately 80% of the circumstances for speeding behavior were intended. They are unaware of the dangers of speeding, citing speed limits that are too low and that it is customary when road conditions permit.