An exploration of the perceptions of the average driver's speed compared to perceived driver safety and driving skill

Accid Anal Prev. 1998 Nov;30(6):821-30. doi: 10.1016/s0001-4575(98)00035-9.

Abstract

This study investigates the self-enhancement bias in driver attitudes, the finding that drivers rate themselves better than the average driver on safety and skill perceptions (Svenson, 1978, 1981; McCormick et al., 1986). A sample of 86 New Zealand drivers were asked their perceptions of their own and others' speeds in two conditions, 50 km/h and 100 km/h. The results established the self-enhancement bias for speed and safety, but not skill. Between 85% and 90% of drivers claimed to drive slower than the 'average driver.' A new methodological technique derived from Harré and Gillett (1994) was used to investigate the direction of the self-enhancement bias. The results support the Downward Comparison Theory (Wills, 1981) because drivers consider other drivers negatively, rather than exaggerating their self-perceptions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration*
  • Adult
  • Automobile Driving / psychology*
  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motion Perception*
  • New Zealand
  • Safety*
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Perception