The relationship between self-reported and actual driving-related behaviours: A literature review

Abstract

Self-reports of driving behaviour are commonly used in traffic behaviour research and in evaluating road safety behavioural change media campaigns. Self-report approaches are relatively inexpensive, provide detailed information and can reach large numbers of people. However, it is unclear to what extent they validly measure actual behaviours. Studies examining the relationship between self-reported and actual behaviour in the road safety context, and more generally, were reviewed. The relationship was found to be inconsistent and problematic, although some studies found evidence of a moderately strong positive relationship. Some themes about the problematic nature of self-reporting emerged, illustrating a range of causes for the generally weak relationship, and the extent to which they may be overcome.