20.12: Driving
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Learning Objectives
- Driving in inclement weather
Research conducted by
Darin Baskin
Case study prepared by
Emily Zitek
Overview
Many people believe that weather patterns influence driving safety. As a result, there are many web sites and other publications dedicated to giving people tips about how to drive in various weather conditions (see references and links below). Additionally, car accidents are often attributed to bad weather (e.g., see Taylor & Quinn, 1991). This study examines the beliefs and behaviors of people with respect to the important topic of driving in inclement weather.
The participants in this study filled out a questionnaire consisting of some demographic questions and then questions asking about their transportation habits and other beliefs concerning inclement weather. This questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of \(61\) University of Houston - Downtown students at various locations (i.e., classrooms, hallways, and the food court).
Questions to Answer
Is gender or age related to the likelihood of driving in inclement weather? Does the number of accidents that someone thinks occur during inclement weather relate to how often he or she takes public transportation or chooses to drive during inclement weather?
Design Issues
This is a correlational study, so we cannot infer causation.
Descriptions of Variables
| Variable | Description |
| Age | The age of the participant in years |
| Gender | 1 = female, 2 = male |
| Cho2drive |
How often he or she chooses to drive in inclement weather
1 = always, 3 = sometimes, 5 = never |
| Pubtran | % of travel time spent on public transportation in inclement weather |
| Accident | % of accidents thought to occur from driving in inclement weather |
Data Files
Driving.xls
Links
Driving on Wet Roads. Jokes about Driving in Inclement Weather.
References
- Galski, T., Ehle, H. T, & Bradley, W. J. (1998). Estimates of driving abilities and skills in different conditions. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 52, 268-275.
- Griffin, J., & Murdock, G. (1993, August). Wet weather driving. Consumers' Research Magazine, 76, 2.
- Taylor, G. W., & Quinn, H. (1991, January 14). An arctic winter rage. Maclean's, 104, 12-13.