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Individual transportation decisions under conditions of risk and uncertainty

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Abstract

This study explores the influence of three factors on a person’s decision to drive in winter weather: destination, affected area, and caution level. Participants (n = 555) completed an online survey that included scenarios with text of a simulated radio message involving a character named Mike. After the scenario, participants answered Likert-scaled questions related to their intention to drive (what would you do) and their recommended behavior for others (what should Mike do). There was a significant effect of destination and caution level on the decision to drive. Participants were more likely to respond that they would drive if the destination was work rather than dinner, and if the caution statement was “exercise caution” rather than “do not drive.” There were similar significant effects of destination and caution level on what the scenario character should do. It is recommended that a clear directive be included in warning messages to encourage drivers to stay off the roadways during hazardous weather.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, PO Box 9542, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Lesley Strawderman

  2. Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, PO Box 5405, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Daniel W. Carruth

  3. Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, PO Box 5448, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Kathleen Sherman-Morris

  4. School of Computing, University of South Alabama, Shelby Hall, Suite 2101, 150 Jaguar Drive, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA

    Philip Menard

  5. Department of Management and Information Systems, Mississippi State University, PO Box 9581, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Merrill Warkentin

  6. Department of Geosciences, Auburn University, 2050 Beard Eaves Coliseum, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Karen S. McNeal

Authors
  1. Lesley Strawderman
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  2. Daniel W. Carruth
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  3. Kathleen Sherman-Morris
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  4. Philip Menard
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  5. Merrill Warkentin
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  6. Karen S. McNeal
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Correspondence to Lesley Strawderman.

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Strawderman, L., Carruth, D.W., Sherman-Morris, K. et al. Individual transportation decisions under conditions of risk and uncertainty. Nat Hazards 92, 927–942 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-018-3232-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-018-3232-0

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