To Speed or Not to Speed: Applying Situational Action Theory to Speeding Behavior

Despite ongoing research, there is still a lack of consensus as to the causes of speeding behavior – resulting in a continued loss of life due to missed opportunities. Using interview data gathered from six Australian drivers, this study aims to help address this problem by applying a new perspective offered by Situational Action Theory (SAT). Specifically, this study adopts a qualitative case study approach to examine the differential responses to motivations to speed via SAT’s situational model and associated principles. Findings indicate strong support for SAT’s situational model in explaining the speeding behavior of those interviewed. Most notably, this study provides support for the largely unexamined habitual pathway proposed by the theory, in that those drivers acting habitually appeared to give no consideration as to the possibility of detection, with controls only becoming particularly relevant for those who deliberated.