Smith, Kevin (2009) Risk Perceptions, Driver Stress Vulnerabilities, and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Near Misses. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine whether risk perceptions, driver stress vulnerabilities, and driver coping styles could predict near misses, as an outcome of risky driving behaviour. Four hundred individuals, mostly undergraduate psychology students, completed the online Driving Attitude Survey for this purpose. A hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to analyse both the collective and the unique contribution each of these variables had towards the prediction of near misses. Results indicated that overall, this model significantly predicted near misses. On a variable to variable basis, driver stress vulnerability variables accounted to 4.4% of the overall variance in change in scores in near misses, risk perception variables 4.0%, and demographic variables, 3.7% of the variance. Coping variables did not significantly predict near misses. At the scale level, only Age, Worry and Concern, Dislike of Driving, and Aggression significantly predicted near misses. These findings suggest that young driver’s risk perceptions, driving styles, and driving skills significantly contribute to near misses. One of the main limitations of this study was that the predominantly female student population of the sample did not adequately represent the general driver population. It was also recommended that future studies of near misses broaden the scope of the construct, particularly with regards culpability.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Sciences - Department of Psychology (Up to 30 Jun 2013) |
| Supervisors: | Machin, Tony |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology) |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Mar 2026 02:08 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Mar 2026 02:08 |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52770 |
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