Journal of Studies in Social Sciences and Humanities (Dec 2020)
Aggressive driving among commuter omnibus drivers in Zimbabwe: Attitudes, perceived norms and behavioural control factors
Abstract
The study aimed to explore relevant beliefs affecting aggressive driving among commuter omnibus drivers in Harare, Zimbabwe. A qualitative research design was used to gain insight into the beliefs underlying aggressive driving behaviour among drivers at the Rezende bus terminus in Zimbabwe’s capital city between February and June 2019. A convenient sample of 14 commuter omnibus drivers was used. All drivers were male with varying levels of driving experience ranging from less than a year to 15 years. Formative elicitation interviews were used to collect data. Through content analysis, themes and subthemes were derived from transcribed and translated interviews. Omnibus drivers’ attitudes (affective and instrumental), normative influence and personal agency (perceived control and self-efficacy) were found to be associated with engaging in aggressive driving. The perceived outcomes of aggressive driving and the social environment in which the drivers operated including the different and changing roles played by important people are essential in understanding and curbing the scourge. Interventions aimed at reducing aggressive driving should recognise that aggressive driving is goal-directed.
