Gender differences in driving attitudes' change in the sample of Lithuanian learners-drivers

Abstract

Some authors argue that driving education might be the possible strategy for promoting road safety by changing the preferences towards risk-taking in traffic. Still, the results about the effects of attitude change campaigns and training practices are contradictory. This study is intended to find out if the current driving training practices in Lithuania change the driving safety attitudes and how this change is related to gender of learner – driver. Method. A cross-sectional survey using self-report questionnaire (with specific driving attitudes and attitudes towards traffic safety scales) was carried out. The total sample included 94 learners – drivers, who filled the questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of their training. Results. Some specific driving attitudes (speeding, concern about hurting others) changed towards risk preference among males, although traffic safety attitudes remained stable. Females reported more specific driving and traffic safety attitudes‘ changes towards risk preference.