Road traffic rules violations among Lithuanian traffic offenders: the importance of driving self-efficacy

Abstract

The aim of this study was (1) to compare driving self-efficacy among Lithuanian traffic offenders and non-offenders; (2) to evaluate differences in driving self-efficacy among male and female traffic offenders taking into account the type of committed road traffic rules violations; (3) to evaluate the relationship between driving self-efficacy and road traffic rules violations taking into account demographic factors. 684 Lithuanian traffic offenders and 171 non-offenders drivers participated in this study on voluntary basis. Mean of age was 31.97 (±11.38) years among traffic offenders and 32.71 (±12.03) among non-offenders drivers. Driving self-efficacy was measured with Adelaide Driving Self-Efficacy Scale. One subscale from Driver Behavior Questionnaire was used to evaluate self-reported road traffic rules violations. The results of this study showed that only female traffic offenders have higher driving self-efficacy than female nonoffenders do. Despite the type of committed road traffic rules violations, male and female traffic offenders possessed similar driving self-efficacy. Only male traffic offenders who lost driving license because of driving under the influence of alcohol and who possessed higher driving self-efficacy reported less road traffic rules violations while driving taking into account their age and driving experience.