Comparing safety climate factors as predictors of work-related driving behavior.
BACKGROUND
Research suggests safety climate (SC) is a strong predictor of safety-related outcomes in organizations. This study explores the relationship between six SC dimensions and four aspects of work-related driving.


METHODS
The SC factors measured were "communication and procedures," "work pressures," "relationships," "safety rules," "driver training," and "management commitment." The aspects of self-reported occupational driving measured were traffic violations, driver error, driving while distracted, and pre-trip vehicle maintenance.


RESULTS
Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the SC factors accounted for significant amounts of variance in all four aspects of work-related driving, over and above the control factors of age, sex, and work-related driving exposure. However, further investigation indicated certain SC factors (particularly safety rules, communication, and management commitment) were more strongly related to specific aspects of work-related driving behavior than others. Together, the SC factors were better able to predict self-reported distraction from the road than the other aspects of driving behavior measured. Implications for occupational safety, particularly for the management of work-related drivers are discussed.
Wills
Andrew R
AR
Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland, School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Carseldine, Australia. a.wills@student.qut.edu.au
Watson
Barry
B
Biggs
Herbert C
HC
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012106:Research; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology*