Drivers of Driving: A Review

Abstract

As car ownership and usage expand globally, understanding the factors that influence the propensity to drive is crucial for promoting sustainable transportation. This literature review examined the factors influencing driving decisions through a systematic search of databases, rigorous screening of over 1000 articles, and analysis of 142 studies. The findings reveal that attributes of the built environment (e.g., density, diversity, accessibility), economic factors (e.g., income, costs of car ownership, policies), and psychological aspects (e.g., attitudes, social norms, perceptions) have significant impacts on driving behaviors. By employing an integrative methodology involving targeted searches, keyword analysis, and detailed evaluation, this review offers insights into the multifactorial nature of driving decisions. The synthesis of studies across multiple domains emphasized the need for a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the factors influencing the propensity to drive, laying a foundation for informed transportation policy and practice.