The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)

In 1985, Ajzen expanded upon the theory of reasoned action, formulating the Theory of Planned Behaviour, which also emphasises the role of intention in behaviour performance but is intended to cover cases in which a person is not in control of all factors affecting the actual performance of a behaviour (speeding behaviour, careless overtaking, smoking behaviour, and loss of adequate concentration while driving). In short, this theory posits that the incidence of actual behaviour performance is proportional to the amount of control an individual possesses over the behaviour and strength of the individual's intention to performing the behaviour. Ajzen further hypotheses that self-efficacy is important in determining the strength of the individual's intention to perform behaviour.

By and large, the theory of planned behaviour is a theory about the link between attitudes and behaviour. Little wonder that the theory will help understand the rationale behind commercial drivers‘ behaviour and formulate the best approach (strategies) to road traffic accidents prevention and reduction in the urban centres in the Southwestern, Nigeria.

Figure 2.3. Theory of planned behaviour

Source: Beckman (2007), Action-control: from cognition to behaviour, pp. 20

However, it should be noted that behavioural change theories have potential applications in many areas. Prominent areas of application include healthcare, education, and criminal and energy consumption behaviour. These issues are important to societal

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

functionality and policy-making. Also, behavioural change theories have gained recognition for their effectiveness in explaining health-related behaviours and providing insight into methods that would encourage individuals to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. Application of the behavioural theories as far as road traffic accident prevention and reduction is concerned will not be an exception. Application of such theories will help promote healthy driving habits among commercial drivers and other road users. In addition, behavioural change theories can be used as guide in developing effective road safety strategies in an attempt to promote good driving habits among commercial drivers and reduce carnage on the highways. As stated by Balogun (2006) and Baluja (2010), since the goal of public education of FRSC is behavioural change, the understanding of behaviour afforded by behavioural change theories provides insight into the formulation of effective teaching or delivery methods that tap into the mechanisms of behavioural change.

Further, Mills (2000) and Tsoumakas (2008) noted that any meaningful road safety intervention that will change commercial driver‘s behaviour must focus on reducing drivers‘ perceived ability to drive within stipulated speed limit. This can only be achieved by educating commercial drivers about stopping distances and enforcement, changing their positive attitude towards speeding by making them more aware of the potential and negative consequences of doing so. Also, theory of planned behaviour address the interaction between individuals and their environments and provide insight into the effectiveness of education programmes given a specific set of predetermined conditions, like the social context in which a programmes will be initiated (Armitage Conner, 2001;

Lattal and Chase, 2003; Moxley 2004).

On the contrary, behavioural change theories are not universally accepted. One of the criticisms is that the theories lay emphasis on individual behaviour and there is a general disregard for the influence of environmental factors on behaviour. Secondly, some theories were formulated as guide to understanding behaviour while others were designed as frameworks for behavioural interventions and the theories' purposes are not consistent.

All the same it should be noted that such criticism illuminates the strengths and weaknesses of the theories, showing there is room for further research into behavioural change theories (Akers and Jensen, 2003; Baum 2005; Baluja 2010).

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

At this point it should be pointed out emphatically that this research shall rest on the theory of planned behaviour. The reasons for this are not farfetched. In the interest of promoting good driving behaviour, this theory has numerous implications before any meaningful assessment on the influence of the FRSC‘s public enlightenment programmes could be made. Firstly, it will be a useful tool to describe the consequences of bad driving behaviour and can effectively increase the appropriate behaviour and decrease inappropriate ones. Armitage and Conner (2000) and Ipingbemi (2008) maintain that theory of planned behavior has gained recognition for its possible effectiveness in explaining health-related impacts of road traffic accidents and providing insight into methods that would encourage individuals to develop and maintain good driving habit.

Further, Gbadamosi and Gazzanga (1994) were of the opinion that specific health application of this theory include the development of a sustainable public enlightenment programmes capable of promoting safe and defensive driving with a view to reduce carnage in the urban centres in the Southwestern, Nigeria. In view of this, any successful research on the various FRSC public enlightenment programmes must rest on theory of planned behavior (Belin 2012; Bhatia, Tej, Ritchie and William 2006).

Moreover, it is undeniable that road users play an essential role in regulating road traffic system. It therefore follows that the study of their behaviour and the underlying psychological mechanisms is fundamental in any research aimed at increasing system reliability. Research into road user behaviour logically falls within the theoretical framework of Human Sciences. It is aimed at developing our knowledge of this behaviour and its main determinants, internal (specific to the individual) and external (linked to the physical and social environmental characteristics in which the individual develops his activity). Again, this theory has been applied to sexuality education as well as many other areas of health education, including tobacco use prevention, substance abuse prevention and violence prevention. Therefore, its application in the area of road traffic accident prevention and reduction should not be an exception. Since theory of planned behavior aims to change behaviour in participants, it is a good fit for prevention-based road safety research (Dhliwayo 1997; Elvik 2009).

Commons (2001), and Akinyemi and Onuka (2012) maintain that human attitudes or behaviour constitute major risks factors as far as road traffic accident is concerned.

Therefore, meaningful change in human attitudes and behaviour towards observance of road traffic rules and regulations will drastically bring a drastic reduction in number of road

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

traffic injuries, disability and death associated with road collisions. Invariably this will encourage a good and sustainable driving culture and make the roads safer in urban centres in the Southwestern in particular and Nigeria in general.

2.6.4 Constructing a Framework for Improved Safety Behaviour among