Effect of Driver Safety Attitude and Risk Perception on Driving Behaviors in Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract Road traffic accidents are a significant contributor to the global disease burden and a major cause of fatalities worldwide. In order to enhance traffic safety and minimize accidents, this study investigated the effect of driver safety attitudes and risk perception on driving behavior. To gather responses on risk perception and safety attitudes, surveys were conducted both online and on paper in three Vietnamese cities: Hanoi, Yenbai, and Laocai, and data was collected from 500 drivers. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the 48 items in the questionnaire, resulting in eight factors that were subsequently analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis to generate risk perceptions on road systems and usage, safety attitude, and driving behavior. The four driving behavior factors identified were aggressive driving, careless driving, adherence to traffic rules, and multitasking. A structural equation model was used to explore the effects of driver risk perception and safety attitude on driving behavior. The results showed a significant positive correlation between drivers’ risk perception and safety attitude, with both factors significantly impacting driving behavior. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of traffic safety, with a specific focus on human factors.