Using the unmatched count technique to improve base rate estimates of risky driving behaviours among veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

This study examines risky driving behavior among veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan, sampling 1351 combat veterans. The authors compare anonymous self-report data with that of the unmatched count technique, a randomized response technique designed to mitigate bias. Their study measures six facets of risky driving--horn honking, carrying firearms in the vehicle, drinking and driving, screaming at other drivers, following other drivers to complain, and tailgating. For horn honking, carrying firearms, and drinking and driving,the unmatched count technique revealed significantly higher rates in comparison to traditional anonymous assessment. No significant differences were found between the two techniques for the other facets. The authors conclude that a strong response bias is associated with endorsing certain risky behaviors and that this could lead to serious underestimation of these behaviors when using anonymous questionnaires.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040639
• Record URL:
  • http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/19/6/382.abstract
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13538047
• Authors:
  • Sheppard, Sean C
  • Earleywine, Mitch
• Publication Date: 2013-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 382-386
• Serial:
  • Injury Prevention
  • Volume: 19
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
  • ISSN: 1353-8047
  • EISSN: 1475-5785
  • Serial URL: http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Car following; Data collection; Drunk driving; Firearms; High risk drivers; Methodology; Military personnel; Questionnaires; Risk taking; Road rage; Tailgating
• Identifier Terms: Self-reports
• Uncontrolled Terms: Veterans
• Geographic Terms: Afghanistan; Iraq
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I80: Accident Studies; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01505501
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 27 2014 11:20AM