Desire for control and traffic accident perception in professional driving
This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between causal attribution for traffic accidents and the desire for control among professional and semi-professional drivers in Morocco. Given the prevalent traffic accidents in the country, understanding the human factor, specifically the cognitive attributions, is paramount. A survey, comprising two scales, was administered to a sample of 401 drivers: 201 from ride-sharing platforms (Indrive, Uber & Heetch) and 200 professional small taxi drivers. The research employed scales inspired by the Levinson Scale (1972) for causal attributions and the Desire for Control Scale by Burger & Cooper (1979), appropriately adapted for cultural relevance. Findings indicated that both social and professional factors significantly influence drivers’ attribution styles and their control desire. Furthermore, a notable correlation was found between these two variables. These insights have potential implications for tailored interventions, training modules, and policy formulations aimed at enhancing road safety in Morocco by addressing the human cognitive elements in driving behaviors.
Key words: Causal Attribution, Naïve Psychology, Desire for Control, Comparative Optimism, Traffic Accident, Professional and Semi-Professional Drivers.
