Modeling drivers’ scrambling behavior in China: An application of theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Scrambling behavior is one of the main causes of road traffic accidents in China. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of drivers’ scrambling behavior and its influencing factors based on the theory of planned behavior. A total of 388 drivers answered the questionnaire and 359 provided valid data. The structure equation model of scrambling behavior showed that positive attitudes towards scrambling behavior, subjective norms and perceived behavior control increased the intention of scrambling behavior. Furthermore, the path coefficient of the structural equation model for the scrambling behavior revealed that attitude was the most important factor influencing scrambling behavior. Thus, to prevent drivers from scrambling, traffic regulators should focus on improving drivers’ attitude towards this behavior, while auxiliary measures should be enacted to regulate drivers' subjective norms and perceptual behavior control. Implications on intervention strategy and policy to reduce scrambling behavior are discussed.