Comparing safety climate factors as predictors of work-related driving behavior

Abstract

Introduction: Research suggests safety climate (SC) is a strong predictor of safety-related outcomes in organizations. This study explores the relationship between six SC dimensions and four aspects of work-related driving. Method: The SC factors measured were "communication and procedures," "work pressures," "relationships," "safety rules," "driver training," and "management commitment." The aspects of selfreported
occupational driving measured were traffic violations, driver error, driving while distracted, and pre-trip vehicle maintenance. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the SC factors accounted for significant amounts of variance in all four aspects of workrelated driving, over and above the control factors of age, sex, and work-related driving exposure. However, further investigation indicated certain SC factors (particularly safety rules, communication, andmanagement commitment) were more strongly related to specific aspects of work-related driving behavior than others. Together, the SC factors were better able to predict self-reported distraction from the road than the other aspects of driving behavior measured. Implications for occupational safety, particularly for the management of work-related drivers are discussed.