The Passenger Effect: Risky Driving is a Function of the Driver‐Passenger Emotional Relationship

Abstract

This research focused on the influence of imaginary passengers on drivers' estimation of the probability of having an accident in traffic situations. Participants had to imagine riding a motorcycle with either a son or a workmate as a passenger. Their task was to assess the risk of accident in a set of traffic scenarios. Risk perception was a function of sex and type of passenger. Women perceived higher risk when the passenger was a son than when a workmate. In contrast, men's estimations were rather the same for both passengers. The emotional significance of the consequences of the accident (losing a son vs. losing a workmate) modulate the perception of probability of having an accident. Finally, these results could help in designing more effective campaigns promoting road safety.

Psychosocial factors associated with the self-reported frequency of cell phone use while driving in Iran

“…of the protective factors against this behaviour. This could be explained in terms of the driverpassenger emotional relationship, as suggested by Megias and colleagues [73] who found that drivers perceived a higher level of risk when the passengers were their significant others (in particular children), as opposed to work colleagues. This finding should also be considered when designing campaigns against CPWD behaviour.…”

Child passengers and driver culpability in fatal crashes by driver gender

“…It has been suggested that female drivers perceive the risks of driving with children as higher than males, which may motivate safer behavior (Megias et al 2014). According to the Koppel et al (2011) results, male drivers had significantly more overlong glances towards a child passenger than female drivers.…”