From car affinity to risk awareness: Understanding driver profiles and shifts in fatal five concerns across West Yorkshire, UK

Road traffic crashes persist as a significant global safety issue, with risky driving behaviours, commonly termed the “Fatal Five” (speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, careless and reckless driving, and not using seatbelts), continuing to contribute substantially to crashes and fatalities in the UK. This study examines the relationship between driver demographics, attitudes towards driving, driving exposure, and drivers' perceived level of concern regarding other drivers' behaviours (in comparison to three years ago) in West Yorkshire. Data were collected from regular drivers ( n = 655) and analysed using non-parametric tests and latent class analysis. Overall, distracted driving and careless and reckless driving emerged as the most concerning behaviours, whereas seatbelt non-use exhibited minimal perceived change. Compared to men, women reported that other drivers' careless and reckless driving, distracted driving, and drink and drug driving are of greater concern. Three distinct profiles of driving attitudes were identified: Car-Positive Utilitarian, Car-Positive Experiential, and Car-Sceptical. While the profiles were mostly similar in terms of demographics, the Car-Positive Experiential profile was more prevalent among men and was more concerned about seatbelt non-use. These findings contribute to understanding drivers' perceptions of other drivers' risky behaviours and how driving attitudes relate to these perceptions. The results particularly highlight certain behaviours, such as distracted driving, as future areas of concern in shaping road safety interventions and enforcement strategies.