Date of Award
8-2014
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Legacy Department
Human Factors Psychology
Committee Chair/Advisor
Tyrrell, Richard
Committee Member
Britt, Thomas
Committee Member
Pagano, Christopher
Committee Member
Rosopa, Patrick
Abstract
Drivers typically underuse their high beam headlamps at night even under ideal conditions (i.e., no leading, following, or oncoming vehicles). One explanation for this is a lack of knowledge regarding both the magnitude of visibility problems at night and the benefits that high beams provide. The purpose of the present study was to design and evaluate an educational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) that targeted a more appropriate reliance on high beams. The results of Study 1 indicated that attitudes toward high beams best predicted intentions to use high beams. This information informed the design of an intervention delivered and evaluated in Study 2. TPB components accounted for 41% of the variance in intentions to use high beams and 38% of the variance in high beam usage. The educational intervention and implementation intentions did not significantly increase drivers' use of high beams. Future research should continue to investigate predictors of high beam use and additional ways in which drivers can be encouraged to use their high beams appropriately.
Recommended Citation
Whetsel Borzendowski, Stephanie, "ENCOURAGING THE APPROPRIATE USE OF HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS: AN APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR" (2014). All Dissertations. 1291.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/1291