Mediational impact of perceived risk on drowsy driving intention and willingness in university students

Recent research indicates that perceived behavioral control is the strongest predictor of drowsy driving intention and willingness in young adult university students. This research also suggests that elevated perceived behavioral control concerning drowsy driving may impact a person’s perceptions of risk regarding drowsy driving, which subsequently may impact drowsy driving intention and willingness. Questionnaire data on drowsy driving beliefs and perceptions previously collected from 497 students at a university in the United States was used to investigate the relationship between perceived behavioral control, risk perception, intention, and willingness related to drowsy driving behavior. Regression analyses and Sobel tests revealed that drowsy driving risk perception partially mediates the relationship between perceived behavioral control and willingness to drive drowsy: greater perceived control over drowsy driving behavior decreases perceived risk concerning drowsy driving, which in turn increases willingness to engage in drowsy driving behavior. Limited evidence also was produced indicating that drowsy driving risk perception partially mediates the relationship between perceived behavioral control and intention to drive drowsy. These findings suggest important theory-based messaging strategies that can be developed to alter perceptions and subsequent behavior related to drowsy driving in young adult U.S. drivers.