Integration of Theory of Planned Behavior, Sensation Seeking, and Risk Perception to Explain the Risky Driving Behavior of Truck Drivers

Abstract

Truck-related accidents account for a substantial portion of traffic accidents. Risky driving behavior is a main cause of traffic accidents. Understanding the risky driving behavior of truck drivers is therefore important in reducing truck-related accidents. This study aimed to propose and validate a research model that integrated a theory of planned behavior, sensation seeking, and risk perception to explain the risky driving behavior of truck drivers. A total of 471 valid data were collected from Chinese truck drivers in this study. Structural equation modeling and mediation analysis were used to examine the influence of factors in the research model on the risky driving behavior of truck drivers. Results showed that sensation seeking and risk perception of truck drivers were influential in shaping their intention to drive riskily with the mediation of attitude toward risky driving. Risk perception and attitude toward risky driving also had a negative influence and positive influence on the intention, respectively. On the basis of the findings, practical recommendations for reducing the risky driving behavior of truck drivers were provided for concerned parties.