The influence of WeChat use on driving behavior in China: A study based on the theory of planned behavior

Weina Qu; Yan Ge; Yuxiu Guo; Xianghong Sun; Kan Zhang

doi:10.1016/j.aap.2020.105641

The influence of WeChat use on driving behavior in China: A study based on the theory of planned behavior

Accid Anal Prev. 2020 Sep:144:105641. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2020.105641. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

Authors

Weina Qu¹, Yan Ge², Yuxiu Guo³, Xianghong Sun¹, Kan Zhang¹

Affiliations

¹ CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
² CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Electronic address: gey@psych.ac.cn.
³ CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Education and Science, Shanxi University, Shanxi, China.

PMID: 32574768
DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2020.105641

Abstract

Driving has become common, and distracted driving, especially that caused by WeChat use, is a significant cause of traffic crashes. Based on the theory of planned behavior, this study analyzes self-reports from a sample of 286 drivers from China to explore the influence of different WeChat functions on driving behavior. The analyses reveal that the intention to use WeChat while driving can substantially predict the use of WeChat while driving. Moreover, drivers' attitudes can effectively predict whether they will send texts, listen to voice messages, and send and browse pictures on WeChat while driving. However, drivers' attitudes cannot effectively predict whether they will read texts or send voice messages on WeChat while driving. In recent years, WeChat has become a popular messaging software, and many drivers use it. Therefore, it is important and necessary to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers of using WeChat while driving.

Keywords: Distracted driving; Theory of planned behavior; WeChat.

MeSH terms

Accidents, Traffic / prevention & control*
Accidents, Traffic / statistics & numerical data
Adult
Attitude
China
Distracted Driving / psychology*
Female
Humans
Intention
Male
Middle Aged
Self Report
Social Media / statistics & numerical data*
Text Messaging / statistics & numerical data*
Young Adult