An Expectancy-Value approach to investigate socio-cognitive determinants of speeding among adolescent powered two-wheeled riders in Vietnam.

Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of road traffic crashes, but many riders do not consider speeding as a serious safety issue. By using belief-based variables derived from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (i.e. behavioural beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs), this study investigated the socio-cognitive determinants of speeding intentions among Vietnamese adolescents operating motorized/electrified two-wheelers. 189 adolescent powered two-wheeled riders in Ho Chi Minh City participated in a cross-sectional survey. The results lend clear support to the Expectancy-Value approach since belief-based product factors (e.g. outcome beliefs x outcome evaluations) significantly and independently contributed to the prediction of speeding intentions. Speeding intentions were mostly influenced by behavioural beliefs, followed by normative beliefs and control beliefs, respectively. This study not only proves the Expectancy-Value approach as an appropriate framework for the investigation of speeding intentions but also supports authorities in the formulation and execution of more effective interventions for reducing speeding among adolescent powered two-wheeled riders in Vietnam. Instead of motivation-oriented methods, there is a need for strategies that stimulate the translation of good intentions into the desirable behaviour, and encourage adolescents not to relapse in case they are exposed to risk facilitating circumstances. Yet, besides focussing on person-specific dispositions towards speeding, policy makers are advised to adopt a more broadly encompassing systemic approach with inclusion of safe roads, safe vehicles, improved post-crash care, and shared stakeholder responsibilities.

Identification of beliefs determining wrong lane riding intentions among Vietnamese adolescent two-wheeled riders: An Expectancy-Value approach.

INTRODUCTION: In Vietnam, road traffic crashes are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in adolescents, especially in the 15-19-year age group. Wrong lane riding (WLR) is seen as the most common risky behavior of adolescent two-wheeled riders. This study (a) tested the expectancy-value model held to underpin the key determinants of behavioral intention (i.e., attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control) as proposed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, and (b) identified appropriate targets for road safety interventions. METHOD: A cluster random sample of 200 adolescent two-wheeled riders in Ho Chi Minh City participated in a cross-sectional study designed to measure the variables of interest (i.e., behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, control beliefs, and intention towards wrong lane riding). RESULTS: The results of hierarchical multiple regression lend clear support for the expectancy-value theory as an approach to model the different belief components behind the key determinants of behavioral intention. CONCLUSION: Road safety interventions aimed at reducing WLR among Vietnamese adolescent two-wheeled riders would best target both the cognitive and the affective components of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Interestingly, the sample investigated in this study is rather negatively predisposed toward WLR. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: It is recommended to further strengthen and stabilize these safety-oriented beliefs, and to develop the required implementation intentions to guarantee that the appropriate goal intentions in terms of WLR are translated into action. More research is needed to see whether the commission of WLR can also be explained in function of a reactive pathway, or is exclusively under volitional control.