Understanding the role of self-identity in habitual risky behaviours: pedestrian road-crossing decisions across the lifespan

Abstract

Self-identity as a careful pedestrian has not been fully considered in previous work on predicting intention to cross the road, or actual crossing behaviour, in non-optimal situations. Evidence suggests that self-identity may be a better predictor than attitudes in situations where decision-making styles have become habitual ways to respond. This study compared contributions of self-identity and attitudes to the prediction of intentions in two situations differing in level of habitual crossing expectation, and to crossing behaviour. Three hundred and sixty-two adults (17-92 years) completed a questionnaire measuring self-identity, attitudes, intentions, experience, social identity variables (e.g. age, gender) and personal limitations (mobility). Two hundred and five participants also completed a road-crossing simulation. Self-identity and attitude were both shown as significant independent predictors of intention in both situations. However, self-identity was less effective as a predictor in the higher risk scenario, where intention to perform the behaviour was lower, and for participants aged >75 years who had lower intention across scenarios. Self-identity strongly predicted intention to cross, which in turn predicted behaviour, but self-identity did not directly predict behaviour. Self-identity was strongly predicted by age. Implications for theories of compensation in older age and for design and targeting of pedestrian safety education are discussed.

Pedestrian Injury and Human Behaviour: Observing Road-Rule Violations at High-Incident Intersections

“…For problem intersections, behavioural interventions can be designed that target pedestrians, motorists, or both groups to emphasise safe behaviours and knowledge of road regulations. With regard to pedestrians, an obvious target for intervention is choices made at the side of the road [50], including where and when to cross an intersection. Harré & Wrapson [51] examined the effects of installation of visual media and provision of rewards for road-rule compliance on pedestrians road-crossing behaviour at five intersections in Auckland.…”

The Effects of Peer Influence on Adolescent Pedestrian Road-Crossing Decisions

“…In the UK, the risk of 16-to 24-year-olds being killed or seriously injured has been calculated to be twice that of 25-to 75-year-olds (Holland and Hill 2007;Holland et al 2009). It is generally assumed that by adolescence, young people have developed sufficient knowledge and skills to behave safely in a pedestrian environment.…”

An intervention encouraging planned self-regulation and goal setting in drivers across the lifespan: Testing an extended theory of planned behaviour

“…in unfamiliar towns, in bad weather, on busy roads, on motorways, at rush hour, at night) regularly in the forthcoming year". We know from previous research that planned behaviour models work less well when the behaviour is seen as too risky for people to contemplate (Holland, Hill & Cooke, 2009) and there is the possibility that this phrasing may have had this impact for some participants. Although the mean response was above the centre point suggesting that this was not something the sample in general really would not do at all, this previous work implies that if an intervention does not change risk perception, it is not be likely to show mediation of a TPB model in change.…”