Women drivers' behavior in well-known versus less familiar locations

IntroductionThrough observations this study sought to examine the effects of road familiarity on driving performance.MethodSevere and minor traffic violations, dangerous behaviors, and speeding were assessed in well known and in less familiar locations.ResultsAs compared to less known locations, drivers in well known locations performed more severe and minor violations, more dangerous behaviors, and they drove above the speed limit more often.DiscussionThe results are discussed in the context of Theory of Risk Homeostasis (later re-labeled as Target Risk Theory), the psychological effect of familiarity on driving performance, and the phenomenon of automatic driving. Presenting the risk of driving in familiar locations would assist to elevate safe driving.