WEATHER HAZARDS: THE MOTORIST'S PERSPECTIVE

This study focuses on whether various driver groups differ in their perceptions and adjustments to weather hazards. A telephone survey of 200 drivers in Hamilton and 200 drivers in Ottawa (both medium-sized cities in Southern Ontario, Canada) was conducted in April, 1992. The survey consisted of 22 closed-ended questions that solicited information on driver characteristics, driver perceptions and driving behavior. Survey results suggest that most drivers recognize the seriousness of the traffic safety problem and in fact have a fairly accurate impression of the relative risk associated with various driving conditions. Despite this, the range of driver adjustments invoked during inclement weather generally does not reflect the magnitude of the weather hazard. Results suggest that countermeasure programs should focus on either improved skills training or on ways of inducing greater caution during inclement conditions. For the covering abstract of the conference see TRIS 00663162.