Driver Behaviour and Accident Research Methodology: Unresolved Problems

TLDR: In this article, the authors discuss several methodological problems in traffic psychology which are not currently recognized as such, and make suggestions as to further studies that should be made to address some of the problems.

Abstract: This book discusses several methodological problems in traffic psychology which are not currently recognized as such. Summarizing and analyzing the available research, it is found that there are a number of commonly made assumptions about the validity of methods that have little backing, and that many basic problems have not been researched at all. Suggestions are made as to further studies that should be made to address some of the problems. The chapters cover traffic accident involvement taxonomies, the validity of self-reported traffic behaviour data, accident proneness, the determination of fault in collision, the accident-exposure association, constructing a driving safety criterion, alternatives to accidents as dependent variable, and case studies. The book is primarily intended for traffic / transport researchers, but it should also be useful for specialized education at a higher level as well as officials who require a good understanding of methodology to be able to evaluate research.