Y. Li, X. Xie

Pages: 53-66

Abstract
Driving safety has become a serious problem in China due to its rapid motorization. Therefore, a demerit point system, called full-score drivers, has been introduced in order to help authorities to identify and regulate drivers committing traffic offenses repeatedly. This research aims to analyze the point system and driving behaviours, comparing full-score drivers whose deduction has reached maximum with those whose deduction has Not reached maximum. 694 drivers, 46.3% of them being full-score drivers, fill in a questionnaire on driver status & driving behaviour, driver self-image, attitudes, and personality. It is observed that full-score drivers are significantly younger than non-full-score drivers; and there are fewer professional drivers in the full-score group. In univariate analysis, full-score drivers report more unwanted driving behaviour (aggressive violations, errors), fewer safety-promoting attitudes, and more thrill-seeking than the non-full score group do. They also estimate their driving skills to be higher, with the lie scale included revealing that they tend to present a truer picture of themselves. Logistic regression shows that younger age, male gender, higher weekly kilometrage, non-professional driver status, lower safety-orientation, and less safe speeding & risk attitudes are significant predictors for full-score drivers.

Keywords: full-score driver; Driving Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ); Driving Skill Inventory (DSI); attitude; demerit point system