What factors can predict why drivers go through yellow traffic lights? An approach based on an extended Theory of Planned Behavior

Red-light running is a major road-safety problem. It is rarely fully deliberate and usually occurs when a driver tries to go through a yellow light. The present research investigates drivers’ motivations for continuing when the light turns yellow. A survey based on an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB, Ajzen, 1985) was conducted in France on a sample of drivers (n = 103) with an average age of 35.6 years (range: 18–75). The driver’s characteristics, TPB factors, and some additional factors accounted for a significant part of the variance in the intention to go through a yellow light (R2 = 0.73). As for the TPB factors, attitude and the descriptive norm were significant predictors. However, facilitating circumstances were the most predictive of all factors examined. The results are discussed in view of determining how to make drivers less inclined to go through yellow lights.

► We used an extended Theory of Planned Behavior to predict the intention to run a yellow light. ► A survey was carried out among car drivers. ► Situational context factors, TPB factors and driver characteristics were predictive.