Perception du risque d'accident lié à l'alcool chez des jeunes automobilistes : quelques déterminants de l'optimisme comparatif

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing alcohol-related accident risk perception. In particular, it examines the effects on comparative optimism (co) of variables such as: comparative subjective control, perceived ability to drive after alcohol consumption, direct and indirect experience of accidents, and estimates of alcohol as the cause of road accidents. The participants (86 young drivers) were invited to read an alcohol consumption and driving scenario, and then answer a number of questions using a 7-point Likert scale. These related to the assessment of their own probability of becoming involved in an accident in such a situation in comparison with that of an average driver, their comparative feeling of control and probable behaviour in such a situation, their perception of alcohol consumption and driving, their accident history in such a situation either as a driver or as a passenger, and finally, their assessment of the frequency of alcohol as a theme of safety campaigns. We also examined those events which led participants to alter their driving behaviour following alcohol consumption. Results showed that comparative subjective control and CO were positively correlated. The more that participants assessed they had control over the situation in relation to others, the more they felt that they were able to drive in a drunken state and were less likely to become involved in an accident than others in the same situation. Moreover, participants who had already been involved in an accident in that situation exhibited more CO than those who had never experienced an accident in that same situation. Similarly, those people whose alcohol consumption was positively controlled felt that they were less at risk than others of having an accident related to alcohol consumption. In contrast, knowing close relatives who have had an accident in the same situation or whose alcohol consumption had been positively controlled did not affect participants' CO. Furthermore, those participants who considered that alcohol consumption was a topic frequently tackled by road safety campaigns felt that alcohol was a frequent cause of accidents and tended to show less CO.