Risk perceptions, fatalism and driver behaviors in Turkey and Iran

• We examined risk perception, fatalism and driver behaviors in Turkey and Iran.
• Traffic risk perception was correlated with non-accidental risk perception.
• Turks reported higher traffic risk perception, less fatalism and safer driver behaviors.
• Traffic risk perception was not associated with driver behaviors in the Iranian sample.
• Traffic risk perception was associated with preventive driver behaviors among Turks.

The present study examined traffic and non-traffic risk perception, fatalism and driver behaviors in Turkey and Iran. A questionnaire survey was carried out in a Turkish (N = 213) and Iranian sample (N = 254). A MANCOVA was conducted to compare the two countries in relation to the measured safety constructs. Results showed that Turkish respondents perceived greater risk both in traffic and non-traffic domains, such as environmental hazards. The Turkish respondents also reported safer driver behaviors and less fatalistic attitudes than Iranian respondents. In both samples traffic risk perception was correlated with non-traffic risk perception. Perceived risk was only associated with precautionary driver behaviors, such as seat belt use and speed reductions, in Turkey. However, it was not associated with any driver behaviors in Iran. Practical implications of the results for traffic safety interventions in both countries are discussed.