Job-related attitudes and safety orientation of professional drivers

Objective: This study examined professional drivers' risk evaluation and the self-reported commission of traffic violations, in relation to occupational commitment and commitment to the organization. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 359 professional male drivers in the Israeli army. Results: Safety orientation is weaker among drivers with a strong occupational commitment than among uncommitted drivers. Safety orientation is weakest among high sensation seekers who are highly committed to the driving occupation. Committed drivers have a more positive image of a professional driver than non-committed drivers. Committed drivers with a weak safety orientation, however, perceive professionalism as related to attributed other than safe driving. Committed drivers with a strong safety orientation perceive drivers' professionalism as related to safe driving as well as other attributes. Conclusions: Organizations employing professional drivers should emphasize the importance of safe driving. The safety orientation of committed drivers is likely to be enhanced if the definition of professional drivers' good job performance incorporates compliance with traffic laws.