Description

The Traffic Locus of Control Scale (TLOCS-17) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess individuals’ perceptions regarding their ability to control conditions associated with driving and traffic behaviour.

The scale consists of 17 items that examine driving-related beliefs, focusing on whether individuals perceive traffic outcomes as being influenced by their own actions and decisions or by external factors beyond their control.

The TLOCS-17 is based on the concept of locus of control and distinguishes between two main orientations: internal locus of control, where individuals believe that their behaviour and decisions directly influence outcomes, and external locus of control, where individuals attribute outcomes to external factors such as other drivers, road conditions, or circumstances.

Objective

The main objective of the TLOCS-17 is to evaluate individuals’ perceptions of control in driving situations and examine how these perceptions influence their behaviour on the road.

The scale aims to identify adaptive or maladaptive beliefs regarding driving control, support the development of interventions promoting safer driving behaviours, and investigate relationships between locus of control and drivers’ psychological well-being.

Structure and Content

The TLOCS-17 assesses beliefs related to driving responsibility, risk perception, and perceived influence over traffic outcomes.

The Internal Locus of Control dimension reflects the belief that personal actions, decisions, attention, and driving skills influence safety and traffic outcomes.

The External Locus of Control dimension reflects the belief that driving outcomes are primarily determined by external circumstances, such as the behaviour of other road users, environmental conditions, or unpredictable events.

Scoring Method

The TLOCS-17 is completed through self-report responses, in which participants evaluate statements regarding their perceived control over driving situations.

Scores are calculated based on responses to the questionnaire items, producing indicators of internal and external locus of control. Higher scores on internal control indicate stronger beliefs in personal responsibility for driving outcomes, whereas higher scores on external control indicate stronger beliefs that traffic outcomes depend on external influences.

Data Analysis and Use

The analysis of TLOCS-17 data includes reliability assessment to determine the internal consistency of the scale, usually through the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.

Factor analysis is used to confirm the dimensions assessed by the scale, including social and emotional factors related to driving control beliefs.

Correlation analyses may be conducted to examine relationships between locus of control and other variables, such as driving behaviour, driving anxiety, and involvement in traffic accidents.

Calibration

The calibration of the TLOCS-17 includes reliability analysis to evaluate the consistency of responses across different dimensions of the questionnaire.

Confirmatory factor analysis is used to validate the structural model of the scale, while cross-validation studies in different populations are conducted to examine the validity and generalizability of findings.

Applications

The Traffic Locus of Control Scale can be applied in traffic psychology, driver education, road safety research, and behavioural assessment.

It is particularly useful for examining how personal beliefs about control influence driving behaviour, risk-taking, accident involvement, and the development of safer driving strategies.

References

Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80(1), 1–28.

Krahe, B., et al. (2007). The role of locus of control in driving behavior. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 10(6), 481–490.

Griffin, J. J., et al. (2009). Locus of control and its relationship to risk-taking behavior in drivers. Journal of Safety Research, 40(4), 305–311.