Abstract Introduction: Sleep-deprived driving can be as dangerous as alcohol-impaired driving, however, little is known about attitudes toward sleep-deprived drivers. This study examined the extent to which young drivers regard sleep-deprived compared to drinking drivers as culpable for a crash, and how their perceptions of driving while in these conditions differ. Method: University student participants (N =295; M =20.4years, SD =1.3; 81% women) were randomly assigned to read one of five fatal motor-vehicle crash scenarios, which differed by aspects of the driver's condition. Culpability ratings for the drinking driver were higher than those for the sleep-deprived driver. Results: Qualitative findings revealed that driving while sleep-deprived was viewed as understandable, and driving after drinking was viewed as definitely wrong. The dangers of sleep-deprived driving remain under-recognized.

    Highlights ► We examine sleep-deprived to drinking drivers as culpable for a crash, and perceptions of driving while in these conditions. ► Participants were randomly assigned to read one of five fatal motor vehicle crash scenarios. ► Culpability ratings for the drinking driver were higher than those for the sleep-deprived driver. ► Qualitative findings revealed that driving while sleep-deprived was viewed as understandable and driving after drinking was viewed as definitely wrong. ► The dangers of sleep-deprived driving remain under-recognised.


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    Title :

    Young drivers’ perceptions of culpability of sleep-deprived versus drinking drivers



    Published in:

    Journal of Safety Research ; 43 , 2 ; 115-122


    Publication date :

    2012-01-01


    Size :

    8 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





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