Risk comparative judgments while driving a car among competitive road cyclists and non-cyclists

This study examines risk comparative judgments and risky behaviors while driving a car among competitive road cyclists (n = 119) and among controls (i.e., drivers who have almost no cycling experience, n = 142). A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted. Results showed that competitive road cyclists assess their own vulnerability to be involved in an accident while riding (VAR) as being lower than that of the average cyclists, and their abilities to manage risks while riding (AMRR) as being higher. They assessed their own vulnerability to be involved in an accident while driving a car (VAD) as being lower than that of the average drivers, and their own quality of reflexes while driving a car (QRD) as being higher. Their tendency to express comparative optimism while assessing their comparative VAD and QRD was higher than that of controls. They also reported more prudent behaviors while driving a car than did controls. Results are discussed, as well as implications in terms of prevention.