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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 10920

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Giulia Lausi

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: traffic psychology; driving behavior; attention shifting; decision making; emotion regulation

Dr. Pierluigi Cordellieri

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: traffic psychology; driving behavior; attention shifting; moral disengagement; sustainable mobility
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues:

This Special Issue aims to collect all new research and developments related to the topic of traffic psychology in the field of sustainable mobility. As the importance of sustainable transportation continues to grow in the face of environmental concerns and urban congestion, understanding the psychological factors that influence transportation behaviors and choices becomes ever-more important.

In this Special Issue, we seek to consider a wide range of perspectives and methodologies that shed light on various aspects of sustainable transportation and traffic psychology. Original and high-quality research articles are welcome, as they provide empirical investigations and theoretical advancements that contribute to improving our understanding of the psychological factors influencing sustainable mobility. These studies may explore individual attitudes and beliefs regarding sustainable transportation options, factors influencing mode choice and usage patterns, the impact of interventions and incentives on behavioral change, and the role of technology in facilitating sustainable transportation practices. Furthermore, this Special Issue encourages interdisciplinary perspectives regarding sustainable transportation and traffic psychology. Contributions that draw on interdisciplinary frameworks, methodologies, and theories are highly encouraged, as they can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing sustainable transportation choices and behaviors.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following topics: driving emotions, psychological variables related to the propensity of individuals to use or not use sustainable modes of transportation, safety perceptions of soft mobility, decision-making processes, and traffic psychology.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Giulia Lausi
Dr. Pierluigi Cordellieri
Guest Editors

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Keywords

sustainable transportation
traffic psychology
driving emotions
safety perception
decision-making
attention shifting while driving
soft mobility perception

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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34 pages, 5615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reflecting the Effect of Physical–Perceptual Components on Increasing the Anxiety of Inner-City Rail Transit’s Users: An Integrative Review

by Toktam Hanaee, Iulian Dincă, Zohreh Moradi, Parinaz Sadegh Eghbali and Ali Boloor

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3974; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093974 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 518

Abstract

As urbanization continues to expand, the design and structure of urban spaces increasingly influence the experiences of individuals, whether intentionally or inadvertently. These effects can result in both positive and negative experiences, with urban facilities generally designed to enhance the comfort and well-being of citizens. However, in certain cases, these spaces can provoke adverse emotional reactions, such as anxiety. Anxiety, a prevalent mental health disorder, is more commonly observed in urban environments than in rural areas. Among various urban settings, rail transport in large cities is often cited as one of the most stressful environments for passengers. In light of the significance of this issue, this study seeks to explore how physical and perceptual components can reduce anxiety and encourage greater use of intra-urban rail transportation. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study employed directional content analysis to investigate this topic. Data were collected and analyzed through an exploratory methodology with the assistance of MAXQDA software. The analysis began with guided content coding, drawing on theoretical frameworks pertinent to the research. Through this process, 2387 initial codes were identified, which were then categorized into nine main themes, with the relationships between these codes clarified. The findings were inductively derived from the raw data, leading to the development of a foundational theoretical framework. The study, employing a personalized strategy, identified three key factors that contribute to anxiety: physical, perceptual, and environmental components. Physical factors, such as accessibility, lighting, and signage, were found to have a significant impact on passengers’ psychological well-being. Perceptual factors, including personal perceptions, stress, and fear, played a crucial role in exacerbating anxiety. Additionally, environmental factors, particularly the design of metro networks, rail lines, and flexible transportation lines, such as car-sharing and micromobility, were found to significantly contribute to the overall anxiety experienced by passengers. Moreover, the study suggests that anxiety triggers can be mitigated effectively through the implementation of well-designed policies and management practices. Enhancing the sense of security within transit spaces was found to increase citizens’ willingness to utilize rail transportation. These findings indicate that targeted interventions aimed at improving both the physical and perceptual aspects of the transit environment could enhance the commuter experience and, in turn, foster greater use of rail systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Traffic Psychology)

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16 pages, 817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Vehicle Color on Speed Perception in Nighttime Driving Conditions

by Nenad Marković, Aleksandar Trifunović, Tijana Ivanišević and Sreten Simović

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3591; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083591 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 471

Abstract

Vehicle color coatings have long been recognized as a factor influencing road safety, particularly regarding their impact on speed perception and crash risk. This study aims to examine how different vehicle color coatings affect drivers’ perception of speed under nighttime driving conditions, with a specific focus on sustainability and visibility. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using a driving simulator to replicate realistic night traffic scenarios. A total of 161 participants evaluated passenger vehicles in four distinct color treatments, white (high-reflective paint), yellow (matte safety film), blue (glossy metallic finish), and black (low-reflective coating), at two speeds: 30 km/h and 50 km/h. Participants’ perceived speeds were collected and analyzed using standardized statistical methods. Results indicated a consistent pattern: speed was overestimated at 30 km/h and underestimated at 50 km/h across all vehicle colors. Lighter-colored vehicles (white and yellow) were perceived as moving faster than darker-colored vehicles (blue and black), with significant differences between black and yellow (30 km/h), yellow and blue (30 km/h), and black and white (50 km/h). Additionally, female participants tended to estimate higher speeds than male participants across most conditions. Other individual factors, such as place of residence, driver’s license type, driving experience, and frequency of driving, also showed measurable effects on speed perception. By using a simulator and accounting for diverse demographic characteristics, the study highlights how perceptual biases related to vehicle color can influence driver behavior. These findings emphasize the importance of considering vehicle color in traffic safety strategies, including driver education, vehicle design, and policy development aimed at reducing crash risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Traffic Psychology)

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25 pages, 1012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Children Wearing Bicycle Helmets Influenced by Their Parents’ Safety Perception as Adults and Children

by Leena R. Baghdadi, Razan A. Alotaibi, Layan A. Aldoukhi, Wafa M. Alqahtani, Roaa A. Alharbi and Alhnouf H. Alyami

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041468 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1342

Abstract

Purpose: Cycling is a popular activity for children aged 5–14 years and has a notable risk of head injuries. Extensive evidence shows that bicycle helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries and prevent fatalities. The current study examines the prevalence of bicycle helmet use among children (aged 5–17 years) in Saudi Arabia, parents’ attitudes and safety perceptions toward children’s bicycle helmets, and factors that influence parents’ decisions regarding their children’s bicycle helmets. Methods: This study used an analytical cross-sectional design via a validated questionnaire to examine parents’ attitudes toward helmet use for their children (aged 5–17 years) in Saudi Arabia. The study, which was carried out from September 2023 to September 2024, involved 492 participants (69.5% mothers and 30.5% fathers), and they were recruited from all regions of Saudi Arabia. A validated and translated questionnaire was used to assess helmet usage attitudes, considering demographic factors and potential confounders. Results: Approximately 60% of children wear helmets while cycling, despite a high mean attitude score of 5.49 (SD = 0.91), with 93.3% of respondents expressing strong support for mandatory helmet laws. While belief (mean (M) = 5.45) and knowledge (M = 4.63) scores were also high, they did not correlate with actual helmet use. Strong helmet regulations significantly increased usage rates (>80%). Helmet ownership and parental helmet-wearing habits were associated with higher usage among children, with mothers showing greater usage rates for younger children than fathers. Regression analyses indicated that parents who wore helmets as children were 5.85 times more likely to have their children wear helmets and parents who wore helmets themselves were 7.98 times more likely to ensure that their oldest child did so. Conclusions: While parents have positive attitudes toward helmet safety, actual helmet usage among children measures at approximately 60%. Sustainable helmet regulations and parental modeling, especially for parents who wear helmets, are crucial for improving safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Traffic Psychology)

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49 pages, 13985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Applying Road Pricing to Airport Highway Using VISUM Software in Jordan

by Amani Abdallah Assolie, Rana Imam, Ibrahim Khliefat and Ala Alobeidyeen

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8079; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188079 - 15 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Road congestion in Amman City has been increasing yearly, due to the increase in private car ownership and traffic volumes. This study aims to (a) evaluate the toll road’s effects on society and the economy in Amman, Jordan, through a survey questionnaire using statistical software (SPSS), (b) assess the impact of the toll road on reducing congestion and delays using micro-simulation (VISUM), (c) identify the optimal toll price for a selected road using VISUM and (d) validate the simulated models with the optimal revenue. Traffic, geometric, and cost data about the toll technique of two sections on the Airport Highway (from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Madaba Interchange; and from the Madaba Interchange to the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) Interchange) were used for simulation purposes. The toll road (across seven different scenarios at different prices) was evaluated for optimal revenue. The survey questionnaire was made based on all scenarios, including the AM peak hour. The operation cost for the toll road was determined based on the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM). The best scenario was determined based on the value of revenue (JOD). The results indicate that higher acceptance is achieved when applying road pricing during the AM peak hour and that users prefer the charging method based on travelled distance (54.02%). Additionally, the total cost of the manual toll collection (MTC) method is 126,935 JOD. Road pricing can reduce traffic delay (or speed up traffic flow) by 4.61 min in the southbound direction and by 9.52 min in the northbound direction. The optimal toll value is 0.25 JOD (34.08%), with revenues of 1089.6 JOD for 2024 and 1122.6 JOD for 2025. Eventually, applying road pricing on the airport road is shown to be effective and economically feasible only when using the manual method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Traffic Psychology)

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16 pages, 564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Approach to the Spanish Driving Behavior Questionnaire (SDBQ) in the City of Cuenca, Ecuador

by Fabricio Esteban Espinoza-Molina, Martin Ortega, Katherine Elizabeth Sandoval Escobar and Javier Stalin Vazquez Salazar

Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4885; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124885 - 7 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1500

Abstract

Traffic collisions are the seventh leading cause of death in Ecuador, with reckless driving being one of the main causes. Although there are statistical data on traffic crashes, there has not yet been a comprehensive investigation of the causes. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate unsafe driving behavior using a modified version of the Spanish Driving Behavior Questionnaire (SDBQ) adapted for Ecuador. The 34-item SDBQ we used has four main dimensions: lapses, errors, violations, and aggressive driving. To apply the SDBQ, a stratified random probability sample of 470 drivers with valid driver’s licenses aged 18–69 was used. Of the drivers, 68.8% were male, while 33.2% were female. We used a chi-square test and descriptive statistics to analyze the data for the SDBQ application items. Finally, four generalized linear Poisson models were used. The results show that taxi drivers have the highest scores on three of the four main dimensions of the SDBQ and male drivers are more likely than female drivers to cause traffic accidents. Drivers are also more likely to cause traffic accidents if they drive more hours per day. This research is the first of its kind to analyze driver behavior-based solutions in Ecuador to reduce traffic accidents. The error factor is the most critical outcome of dangerous behavior in the city of Cuenca. The SDBQ aims to foster a culture of safety and sustainability by promoting road safety measures through legislation and traffic regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Traffic Psychology)

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Review

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13 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessReview

Adoption and Use of Battery Electric Vehicles Among Older Drivers: A Review and Research Recommendations

by David W. Eby, Renée M. St. Louis, Jennifer S. Zakrajsek and Nicole Zanier

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2810; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072810 - 21 Mar 2025

Viewed by 454

Abstract

In the United States, transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with passenger vehicles accounting for the majority. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer a significant opportunity to reduce emissions, as they have fewer emissions related to electricity generation compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the benefits of BEVs are limited by their low adoption rates, particularly among older adults. In 2023, only 9.3% of vehicles on US roads were electric, and older adults (age 65 and above) have the lowest ownership and least interest in purchasing electric vehicles. This review aimed to understand the empirical data on the adoption and use of BEVs among older drivers, identify research gaps, and provide a research agenda to promote BEV use among this demographic for a more sustainable future. The review found that older drivers possess unique perceptions, often seeing more environmental benefits and fewer cost-related barriers than younger drivers, but concerns about charging infrastructure remain a significant obstacle. Notably, there is limited detailed research specific to older adults’ use patterns, charging behaviors, and the potential influence of socioeconomic factors. Future research should consider more nuanced age definitions, mixed-method approaches, and real-world behavioral studies over extended periods. A concerted effort toward understanding and addressing these barriers can inform strategies to increase BEV adoption among older adults, contributing to broader environmental goals. The review proposes a research agenda focused on understanding older adults’ adoption decisions, driving and charging behaviors, and effective training methods to facilitate BEV use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Traffic Psychology)

15 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emotion behind the Wheel: Unravelling the Impact of Emotional (dys)Regulation on Young Driving Behaviour—A Systematic Review

by Alessandra Pizzo, Giulia Lausi, Jessica Burrai, Alessandro Quaglieri, Emanuela Mari, Ivan D’Alessio, Benedetta Barchielli, Pierluigi Cordellieri, Anna Maria Giannini and Clarissa Cricenti

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3384; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083384 - 18 Apr 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3744

Abstract

Young people engage in a variety of behaviours that can have an impact on their health and safety, including driving and road accidents, which represent a major health issue today. Emotions, and in particular emotional regulation (ER), interact significantly with key elements of driving behaviour, such as risk perception, decision-making, and attention. We carried out a systematic review considering the presence of an association between emotional (dys)regulation and driving behaviour of young adults (18–25 years). A total of 1849 records were selected for screening and, finally, eight full-text articles were included. Two main findings were found: on the one hand, driving anger, unlike other emotional patterns, emerged as a well-defined cause of impairment among young drivers. On the other hand, drivers’ risky behaviour seems to be influenced by a heterogeneous set of factors, such as using specific ER strategies or personality traits (e.g., impulsivity). Expressing one’s emotions adaptively, improving the ability to accept and be aware of negative emotions, and controlling impulsive behaviour could reduce driving risks in young drivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Traffic Psychology)

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