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Feelings of vulnerability and effects on driving behaviour: A qualitative study

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>3/04/2014
<mark>Journal</mark>Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour
Volume24
Number of pages10
Pages (from-to)50-59
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Feelings of vulnerability in driving can be considered an emotional response to risk perception and the coping strategies adopted could have implications for continued mobility. In a series of focus groups with 48 licensed drivers aged 18-75 years, expressions of vulnerability in driver coping behaviours were examined. Despite feelings of vulnerability appearing low, qualitative thematic analysis revealed a complex array of coping strategies in everyday driving including planning, use of 'co-pilots', self-regulation, avoidance and confrontive coping, i.e. intentional aggression toward other road users. The findings inform future intervention studies to enable appropriate coping strategy selection and prolong independent mobility in older adults.