Attitude, perceived behavioral control, and intention to adopt risky behaviors

The theory of planned behavior (TPB, Ajzen, 1985) has proved its efficiency in predicting different behaviors among road users (Sheeran & Orbell, 2000). The present study examined the TPB factors explaining risk taking among vulnerable road users (e.g., cyclists). We presumed that attitude, social norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) would predict cyclists' intention to adopt a risky behavior in two traffic contexts considered as risk-conducive (i.e., run the red-light, turn left). Participants (N = 224, M-age = 23.34) filled in an online scenario-based questionnaire describing two traffic situations conducive to risk taking and including measures for cyclists' intentions to adopt risky behaviors in these specific contexts, TPB factors, and self-perceived efficacy. TPB factors explained 49% and 65% of the variance in the intention to cross the red light, respectively the intention to turn left, with positive attitude and high PBC as the best predictors. Implications of the results were discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.