Safety-Seeking Behaviors in Driving: A Phenomenological Exploration of Taxi Drivers’ Latent Beliefs

Abstract

Background: Human behavior has been worldwide reported as the main cause of road accidents. It has been mentioned that beliefs probably impress driver’s perception, and consequently, the driving behavior. Taxi drivers account for a high proportion of professional drivers. This study aimed at exploring belief-oriented safety-seeking behaviors in taxi drivers. Methods: In this phenomenological study, eleven drivers were invited from different regions of BLINDED. Using purposeful sampling, six in-depth interviews (IDIs) and one focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted. Findings: In almost all the interviews, the participants highlighted the observance of traffic regulations and concentration on driving were the causes of accidents, however, they adopted other actions to be safe while driving. In this study, three themes emerged. The first two themes (verbal and practical endeavors) were mainly related to religion. Nonetheless, beliefs that were not related to religion (mental endeavors) also emerged. Conclusion: The drivers’ belief-oriented safety precautions are rooted in primary and socio-instrumental control beliefs. In point of view of road traffic safety, investments to change these beliefs does not seem to be necessary.