Psychological influences exerted by drivers or groups on the behaviour of drivers or pedestrians while driving or commuting, which may lead them to adopt safe or risky behaviours on the road in order to meet the expectations of others or established social norms. This concept is one of the important psychological factors that influence the behavior of drivers on the road, as it explains how social and cultural attitudes determine the actions of drivers on the road.
Manifestations of social pressure on the road:
1) Direct peer influence – for example, a driver who exceeds the speed limit or ignores traffic lights, simply because he follows friends or fellow travelers.
2) Social expectations – following the expected or common norms of traffic in society, for example, imitation of aggressive behavior or failure to maintain a safe distance.
3) Social comparison – the tendency of the driver to compare his behavior with the behavior of others and try to conform to generally accepted norms, even if they are unsafe.
4) Indirect influence – psychological pressure resulting from the presence of passengers in the vehicle or constant surveillance by the public or the traffic police, which can affect the driving style.