Abstract

This study assessed the ability of the theory of planned behavior(TPB) to account for drivers' intention and behavior of speed-limit violation, comparing the theory of rasoned action(TRA) and the other alternative models including the predictors such as past speed behavior, habit, moral obligation. A sample of drivers(N=411) was surveyed with questionnaire, measuring attitude toward behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, past behavior for 1 year, habit, obligation, and behavior intention and current speed-limit violation behavior for 1 month. The results of this study showed that the TPB explained better than theory of reasoned action for drivers' intention and behavior of speed-limit violation. Specially, the addition of perceived behavior control to TRA led to the significant increments in amount of explained variance in intentions(8%) and behavior(15%) of speed-limit violation, respectively. The TPB explained better than any other models for drivers' intention and behavior of speed-limit violation, although the addition of habit led to equal increments(8.6%) in explaining intention and the addition of past behavior led to more increments(20.8%) in explaining the speed-limit violation behavior. In all models, the attitude led not to significant increments in explained variance for intention. These results were discussed in terms of the author's previous investigation for drinking and driving. Finally, the limitations of this study and suggestions for future study were discussed.