SOME OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE BEHAVIOUR OF SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORISTS IN VIEW OF THE FUEL CRISIS

The change in the behavior of motorists immediately after promulgation of the fuel restrictions is discussed, and the point is made that the behavioral changes observed were to be expected in view of the magnitude of the fuel crisis and the relatively good communication between the authorities and the public. The results are tabulated of an ongoing project in which speeds on two freeways and four 2-lane roads were monitored before and after the introduction of the blanket 80 km/h speed limits on open roads. A psychological model of behavior under conditions of impending disaster reveals that the observed behavior was largely predictable from previous research findings. The experimental learning is stressed and it is concluded that lower speed limits would be acceptable to the majority of drivers once the crisis recedes.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00357391
• Corporate Authors:

  National Road Safety Council

  Private Bag, X147
  Pretoria 0001,   South Africa 
• Authors:
  • Steyn, D W
• Publication Date: 1974-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • ROBOT
  • Publisher: SNELCO-PRO PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANTS
  • ISSN: 0035-7391

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Communications; Drivers; Energy; Energy resources; Fuel consumption; Psychological aspects; Public opinion; Public policy; Speed limits; Studies; Traffic speed
• Uncontrolled Terms: Energy crisis; Public interest
• Old TRIS Terms: Speed studies
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Policy; Safety and Human Factors; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00084965
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Paper 8
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 1 1975 12:00AM