Speeding behavior and associated factors in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive speed is a major risk factor for serious injuries and death. However, speeding remains a pervasive problem around the world. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with speeding behavior in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS: A sample of vehicles (n = 34,967) from ten locations in the city was observed in two waves during 2021. Measurements were made at different times and days of the week. Observation sites were free of intersections, traffic lights, speed bumps and cameras, allowing drivers to speed freely. Data on speed, drivers and vehicle types were collected. Factors associated with speeding were identified through logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: 15.3% of vehicles were observed to be speeding. Roads with posted speed limits of 40 km/h showed higher speeding compared to 60 km/h roads. 77% of vehicles traveled above 30 km/h on local roads, and 30% above 50 km/h on avenues. Motorcycles, both commercial and private, showed a higher percentage of speeding compared to all other vehicles. Speeding was lower among women, among adults over 60 years of age, and among those using cell phones. CONCLUSION: It is crucial to strengthen strategies for increased compliance with speed limits. Actions targeting motorcyclists must be a priority.

Measurement invariance of the driving inattention scale (ARDES) across 7 countries.

The Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale (ARDES) is a self-report measure of individual differences in driving inattention. ARDES was originally developed in Spanish (Argentina), and later adapted to other countries and languages. Evidence supporting the reliability and validity of ARDES scores has been obtained in various different countries. However, no study has been conducted to specifically examine the measurement invariance of ARDES measures across countries, thus limiting their comparability. Can different language versions of ARDES provide comparable measures across countries with different traffic regulations and cultural norms? To what extent might cultural differences prevent researchers from making valid inferences based on ARDES measures? Using Alignment Analysis, the present study assessed the approximate invariance of ARDES measures in seven countries: Argentina (n = 603), Australia (n = 378), Brazil (n = 220), China (n = 308). Spain (n = 310), UK (n = 298), and USA (n = 278). The three-factor structure of ARDES scores (differentiating driving errors occurring at Navigation, Manoeuvring and Control levels) was used as the target theoretical model. A fixed alignment analysis was conducted to examine approximate measurement invariance. 12.3 % of the intercepts and 0.8 % of the item-factor loadings were identified as non-invariant, averaging 8.6 % of non-invariance. Despite substantial differences among the countries, sample recruitment or representativeness, study results support resorting to ARDES measures to make comparisons across the country samples. Thus, the range of cultures, laws and collision risk across these 7 countries provides a demanding assessment for a cultural-free inattention while-driving. The alignment analysis results suggest that ARDES measures reach near equivalence among the countries in the study. We hope this study will serve as a basis for future cross-cultural research on driving inattention using ARDES.

Newspaper framing of motor vehicle crashes and road safety in Argentina.

The media plays a key role in shaping the public's perception of road safety. This study analyzes the newspaper coverage and framing of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) and road safety in Argentina, South America. The content of 304 articles published by 15 newspapers in November 2020 was reviewed. The results show that episodically framed news stories (focused on a single event or incident) prevail over thematically framed articles. MVCs are presented primarily as 'police' events and tend to receive more coverage when fatalities are involved. There is limited information provided on contextual and risk factors, and road safety advice is rarely included. Speeding, infrastructure, alcohol and other human-related variables are the most cited risk factors. Very few articles mention the use of protective devices (seat-belt, helmet and child restraint system). Although motorcyclists represent 40% of RTC deaths in Argentina, only 20% of the news coverage was about them. News coverage was quite similar in national and regional newspapers. There is an opportunity for the media to help build a better road safety culture, but significant changes in news framing are required. Practical recommendations for editors, journalists and road safety practitioners are provided.

Seguridad vial infantil: estudio observacional en jardines de infantes de la ciudad de Mar del Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, 2022 / Children's road safety: Observational study in kindergartens of the city of Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, 2022

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las conductas preventivas, como el uso de casco o los sistemas de retención infantil, son un factor clave para la seguridad vial. En Argentina, la adopción de estas medidas es particularmente baja en población infantil. Los objetivos fueron: a) conocer el porcentaje de conductas preventivas en niños y adultos acompañantes que viajan a jardines de infantes en tres modos de transporte (vehículos motorizados de cuatro ruedas, motovehículos y bicicletas); b) identificar factores asociados al uso de tales medidas; y c) analizar la relación entre las conductas preventivas, las condiciones viales del entorno inmediato a los jardines y el nivel de vulnerabilidad socioambiental en la zona de emplazamiento. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal. Se observó a 462 conductores y 508 niños en 13 jardines de infantes municipales de la ciudad de Mar del Plata. RESULTADOS: En moto, 18,3% de los niños usaba casco. En vehículos de cuatro ruedas, 12,5% utilizaba algún sistema de sujeción. En bicicleta, solo un niño empleaba casco. En casos de conductores sin dispositivos de seguridad y en zonas de alta vulnerabilidad, era más común que los niños viajaran desprotegidos. Los entornos viales con más falencias se ubicaron en sitios de alta vulnerabilidad y se asociaron a una menor proporción de conductas preventivas. DISCUSIÓN: Los resultados constituyen un aporte relevante para el desarrollo de políticas en seguridad vial infantil.

Parenting in the context of driving: Spanish adaptation of the Family Climate for Road Safety (FCRSS) for parents and children.

The Family Climate for Road Safety Scale (FCRSS; Taubman - Ben-Ari & Katz - Ben-Ami, 2013) is a comprehensive measure originally developed in Israel to assess parent-children relations in the specific context of driving. The scale consists of seven dimensions: Modelling, Feedback, Communication, Monitoring, Messages, Limits, and Non-commitment to Safety. While the original FCRSS examines the young drivers' perception across the seven domains, a version applicable to parents has also been developed by the same authors. The current study investigates the validity and reliability of the FCRSS-Spain for both parents and young drivers. A total of 377 parents (199 fathers and 178 mothers) and 243 of their children (143 daughters and 100 sons) responded to the FCRSS-Spain versions and provided sociodemographic data. In addition, the young drivers completed the Spanish version of the Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI-Spain). Results from exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) indicate that six out of the seven FCRSS domains were replicable among Spanish drivers. The Messages dimension did not emerge as a consistent factor in the FCRSS for either parents or young drivers. All six factors demonstrated good internal consistency reliability (ordinal alpha coefficients exceeding 0.70), except for Non-commitment to safety. Significant differences were found between mothers and fathers in various FCRSS dimensions in the predicted direction, whereas no significant differences in FCRSS scores were found between young men and young women. As expected, associations were found between parents' scores in various FCRSS dimensions and the reckless, angry, dissociative, anxious, and careful driving styles reported by the young drivers, as well as between young drivers' FCRSS scores and their self-reported reckless, angry, dissociative, anxious, and careful driving styles.

Motorcycle rider error and engagement in distracting activities: A study using the Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale (ARDES-M).

Research on motorcycle rider distraction and inattention is limited, especially when compared to that on car drivers. This study examines motorcycle rider error and its relationship with engagement in distracting activities. Additionally, it provides an adaptation of the Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale for use with motorcycle riders (ARDES-M). A sample of 418 motorcyclists responded to a web questionnaire consisting of the ARDES-M, a self-report measure of Involvement in Distracting Activities (IDA), a measure of everyday inattention (ARCES, Attention Related Cognitive Errors Scale) and socio-demographic and riding-related questions. Riding errors were associated with a higher level of engagement in distracting activities and a greater propensity for inattention in daily life. ARDES-M scores were associated with various types of self-reported traffic crashes and near-crashes, while self-reported distractions (IDA) were only linked with near-crashes. The most widely self-reported distracting activities were using map navigation, listening to the radio or to music and adjusting vehicle devices. The various uses of cell phones were relatively minor. Young riders reported higher levels of engagement in distracting activities and committing more riding errors. The ARDES-M showed good psychometric properties for the sample in Spain.

The Reluctance of Taxi Drivers to Use Seat Belts. Observed and Self-Reported Behavior in Argentina / La reticencia al uso del cinturón de seguridad de los conductores de taxi. Conductas observadas y auto-informadas en Argentina / Relutância em usar cinto de segurança em taxistas. Comportamentos observados e autorrelatados na Argentina

Although taxi drivers are more exposed to traffic crashes, they usually exhibit riskier behaviors and more negative attitudes toward road safety. For example, previous research suggests that they are particularly reluctant to wear seat belts. The research aimed (a) to estimate the prevalence of seat belt use among taxi drivers com-pared to other professional and non-professional drivers (Study 1, n = 3.810) and (b) to explore attitudes toward seat belt use in taxi drivers using the Theory of Planned Behavior (tpb) (Study 2, n = 100). Study 1 showed lower seat belt use among taxi drivers (vs. other professional and non-professional drivers). Study 2 showed that self-reported use tends to be higher than the estimated observed use and that negative experiential attitudes appear to be essential for understanding the reluctance of taxi drivers to use seat belts. Practical implications and future lines of research are discussed.

Aunque los taxistas están más expuestos a los siniestros viales, suelen mostrar comportamientos más arriesgados y actitudes más negativas hacia la seguridad vial. Por ejemplo, investigaciones previas sugieren que son especialmente reacios a usar el cinturón de seguridad. En tal sentido, los objetivos de la presente investigación fueron (a) estimar la prevalencia del uso del cinturón de seguridad entre los taxistas en comparación con otros conductores profesionales y no profesionales (Estudio 1, n = 3.810) y (b) explorar las actitudes hacia el uso del cinturón de seguridad en los taxistas utilizando la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado (tpb) (Estudio 2, n = 100). El estudio 1 mostró un menor uso del cinturón de seguridad entre los taxistas (frente a otros conductores profesionales y no profesionales). El estudio 2 demostró que el uso auto informado tiende a ser mayor que el uso observado estimado, y que las actitudes negativas por la experiencia parecen ser esenciales para entender la reticencia de los taxistas a utilizar el cinturón de seguridad. Se discuten las implicaciones prácticas y las futuras líneas de investigación.

Embora os taxistas estejam mais expostos a acidentes rodoviários, tendem a exibir comportamentos mais arriscados e atitudes mais negativas em relação à segu-rança rodoviária. Por exemplo, investigações anteriores sugerem que estão particularmente relutantes em usar o cinto de segurança. Os objectivos do presente estu-do foram: (a) estimar a prevalência do uso do cinto de segurança entre taxistas em comparação com outros taxistas profissionais e não profissionais (Estudo 1, n = 3.810), e (b) explorar atitudes em relação ao uso do cinto de segurança entre taxistas utilizando a Teoria do Comportamento Planeado (tpb) (Estudo 2, n = 100). O estudo 1 mostrou um menor uso do cinto de segurança entre os taxistas (em comparação com outros motoristas profissionais e não profissionais). O estudo 2 mostrou que o uso auto-relatado tende a ser superior ao uso observado estimado, e que as atitudesexperimentais negativas parecem ser centrais para compreender a relutância dos taxistas em usar cintos de segurança. São discutidas implicações práticas e linhas futuras de investigação.

Peer pressure and risky driving: Development of a new scale.

INTRODUCTION: Peer pressure is a main factor influencing risky driving behavior in young people. Most empirical studies have focused either on direct or indirect peer pressure, and comprehensive measures assessing both are currently lacking. The present study aimed at developing and validating a scale to examine the influence of different types of peer pressure on risky driving in young drivers: the Peer Pressure on Risky Driving Scale (PPRDS). METHOD: Scale construction and assessment of its psychometric properties involved four phases: item development, assessment of content validity by expert reviewers, pre-testing of the scale and evaluation of psychometric properties of the final version in a sample of 773 young drivers aged 18-29. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure that reflected the multifaceted definition of peer pressure on risky driving in the immediate driving context: risk-encouraging direct peer pressure; risk-discouraging direct peer pressure, and indirect pressure. The three factor scales showed good internal consistency and construct reliability, and correlated as expected with self-reported risky driving. Younger drivers (18-24) reported more direct and indirect peer pressure to engage in risky driving. Males indicated more direct peer pressure towards risky driving. Finally, interaction effects between age and sex were observed. Young male drivers reported the greatest direct peer pressure and adult female drivers the lowest direct peer pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The 23-item PPRDS scale has good psychometric properties and provides a useful tool for assessing different forms of peer pressure on risky driving. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The PPRDS can be used for evaluating the impact of peer-based education and road safety programs. The scale also provides valuable information for the design of evidence-based intervention.

Estrés postraumático luego de siniestros viales: una revisión sistemática / Post-traumatic stress disorder after road traffic accidents: a systematic review

Resumen Las lesiones físicas y los trastornos psicológicos que se producen como consecuencia de un siniestro de tránsito (ST) constituyen un grave problema de salud pública. En este trabajo se realiza una revisión sistemática y actualización de estudios sobre prevalencia y variables predictoras de estrés postraumático (TEPT) luego de un ST. Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos incluyendo Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, y Elsevier de artículos entre 2015 y 2019, siguiendo las directrices PRISMA. La búsqueda inicial mostró un total de 1062 artículos, de los cuales 28 cumplieron criterios de inclusión. La literatura disponible es heterogénea en cuanto a objetivos y metodología. La prevalencia oscila entre 2,39 y 62%. Entre los predictores más robustos de TEPT se incluyen: sexo femenino, percepción de riesgo de vida en el ST, falta de apoyo social, secuelas físicas, y problemas emocionales previos. Se destaca la importancia de la detección temprana para prevenir secuelas psicológicas.

Abstract Physical injuries and psychological disorders following a road traffic accident (RTAs) are a serious public health problem. The objective of this work was to conduct a systematic review and update of studies on the prevalence and predictive variables of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after RTAs. A systematic search was performed in databases including Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Elsevier, of articles published between January 2015 and August 2019, following PRISMA guidelines. Initial search showed a total of 1062 articles, and 28 met inclusion criteria. The available literature is heterogeneous in regards to aims and methodology. Prevalence rates ranged from 2,39 % to 62%. The most robust predictors of PTSD include: female gender, perceived threat to life, lack of social support, persistent physical problems and previous emotional problems. The importance of early detection to prevent psychological sequelae is highlighted.

Implicit attitudes towards risky driving behaviors: Evidence of validity for the implicit association test.

INTRODUCTION: Attitudes toward risky driving behaviors are commonly evaluated through direct self-report measures. Nevertheless, these instruments have limitations, such as socially-desirable responding. This study examines the validity of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) as an indirect measure of attitudes towards risky driving. An IAT with "risky" vs. "safe" driving behaviors categories was evaluated. METHOD: A sample of 100 participants (ranging from 18 to 70 years of age) completed the IAT and measures of attitudes, driving styles, personality traits, risk-taking (IOWA Gambling Task), and social desirability (Driver Social Desirability Scale). RESULTS: A high level of internal consistency was found for IAT scores. The IAT was correlated with driving styles (risky, dissociative, and careful dimensions), risk-related personality traits (impulsive/sensation seeking and aggression/hostility) and risk-taking measures. IAT scores were also associated with self-reported risky driving behaviors (r = 0.33). As expected, a higher level of negative implicit attitudes was found among young drivers. The driver social desirability scale was correlated with most self-report measures, but not with the IAT. CONCLUSION: The present study provides reliability and validity evidence for the IAT as an indirect measure of attitudes towards risky driving. The IAT can serve as an important complement to conventional self-report measures of driving attitudes. Practical Applications: Potential use of global measure of implicit attitudes toward risky driving behaviors in the evaluation, education, and training of drivers are discussed.

Validity and Reliability of the Attitudes toward Traffic Safety Scale in Argentina.

The main objective of this research was to investigate the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language version of the Attitudes toward Traffic Safety Scale (ATTS) for the assessment of risky driving attitudes among Spanish-speaking populations. Five hundred and fifty-eight drivers from Argentina participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the ATTS three-factor structure: Attitude towards violations and speeding, attitude towards the careless driving of others and attitude towards drinking and driving, χ2(87) = 205.91, p < .001; χ2/df = 2.36; GFI = .94; CFI = .93; TLI = .91; RMSEA = .05; 90% CI [.04, .06]. A model with one higher-order factor (overall attitude toward risky driving) also fits the data. Reliability estimates were acceptable for the total scale (α = .81) and for all subscales (with α values ranging from .74 to .84), and concurrent validity was supported by theoretically expected correlations with self-reported risky driving behavior (r ranging from .27 to .45, ps < .01). Subsequent comparison between zero-order correlation and partial correlation (controlling for Driver Impression Management) between ATTS subscales and self-reported risky driving behavior revealed minor or no effects of social desirability bias. Implications for road safety intervention are discussed.

Mecanismos de desarrollo de la atención selectiva en población infantil / The development mechanisms of selective attention in child population

Resumen La atención selectiva es la función cognitiva que orienta la atención hacia los objetos o estímulos que resultan relevantes evitando la distracción frente a aquellos que son irrelevantes. En general, la literatura indica que el desempeño de la atención selectiva mejora notablemente con la edad, sin embargo, las diferencias vinculadas a esta variable no se cumplen para todas las condiciones de cantidad de estímulos distractores ni para todos los grupos de edad. Asimismo, aún no se ha explorado la contribución del control inhibitorio y la velocidad de procesamiento a esta mejora progresiva. Por este motivo, y debido a la escasez de estudios en población infantil, se propuso analizar la contribución relativa de la velocidad de procesamiento y de la inhibición al desempeño en una tarea de atención selectiva y búsqueda visual en esta etapa evolutiva. Para ello, se administró una tarea de búsqueda de conjunciones y una tarea simple de velocidad de respuesta a 295 niños de 6 a 13 años de edad. Los resultados permitieron plantear dos conclusiones principales: por un lado, que la atención selectiva mejora consistentemente durante la niñez y, por otro lado, que no existe un mecanismo general y exclusivo capaz de explicar estas diferencias durante esta etapa vital. Así, tanto la velocidad de procesamiento como el control inhibitorio contribuyen al desarrollo de la atención selectiva y ambos mecanismos cognitivos actúan de manera complementaria más que excluyente.

Abstract Selective attention allows directs attention to relevant objects or stimuli, while avoiding distraction from those that are irrelevant. The literature indicates that performance in CVS tasks improves markedly with age. However, age-related differences are not met neither for every number of distractor conditions nor for all age groups. In addition, the contribution of inhibitory control and processing speed to this progressive improvement has not yet been explored. For this reason, and due to the scarcity of studies using CVS paradigm to evaluate selective attention in children, the present study aimed to analyze the relative contribution of processing speed and inhibition to performance during this evolutionary period in a selective attention and CVS task. To do this, a CVS and a simple response speed task were administered to 295 children aged 6-13 years old. Results offered two conclusions: first, selective attention improves during childhood; second, there is no general and exclusive mechanism capable of explaining these differences during this period. Thus, both processing speed and inhibitory control contribute to development of selective attention, and they seem to be more complementary mechanisms than excluding ones.

Actitudes implícitas en Psicología Ambiental. Una revisión de literatura / Atitudes Implícitas em Psicologia Ambiental. Uma Revisão / Implicit Attitudes in Environmental Psychology. A Lietarature Review

Este trabajo ofrece una revisión crítica de estudios que utilizan modelos de actitudes implícitas en el área de la Psicología Ambiental. Se analizaron 25 estudios publicados entre 2004 y 2017, los cuales abordan temas relacionados a: (a) conductas pro-ambientales, (b) preferencias por ambientes naturales vs. construidos, (c) conexión con la naturaleza, y (d) cambios en actitudes implícitas. Globalmente, los resultados ilustran las potencialidades de los enfoques de actitudes implícitas en los estudios de Psicología Ambiental. Las actitudes implícitas muestran relaciones de nulas a moderadas con las conductas pro-ambientales. Se observan correlaciones bajas entre actitudes implícitas y explícitas, aunque la relación varía según el dominio. Por otro lado, las medidas de actitudes implícitas tienden a mostrarse incorrelacionadas entre sí. Algunos estudios indican que es posible cambiar las actitudes implícitas. Se identifican limitaciones y posibles líneas futuras de investigación.

Este trabalho oferece uma revisão crítica de estudos que utilizam modelos de atitudes implícitas na área da Psicologia Ambiental. Foram analisados 25 estudos publicados entre 2004 e 2017 que abordam temas relacionados a: (a) comportamentos pró-ambientais, (b) preferências por ambientes naturais versus construídos, (c) conexão com a natureza, e (d) mudanças em atitudes implícitas. De modo geral, os resultados ilustram as potencialidades dos enfoques de atitudes implícitas nos estudos da Psicologia Ambiental. Atitudes implícitas mostram correlações nulas a moderadas com comportamentos pro-ambientais. Baixas correlações são observadas entre atitudes implícitas e explícitas, embora a relação varie por domínio. Por outro lado, não há correlações entre diferentes medidas implícitas. Alguns estudos indicam que é possível produzir mudanças em um nível implícito. Limitações e futuras pesquisas são indicadas.

This paper provides a review of recent research using implicit attitudes models in Environmental Psychology. Twenty-five studies published between 2004 and 2017 were analyzed. They cover the following topics: (a) pro-environmental behaviors, (b) preferences for natural vs built environments, (c) connection with nature, and (d) changes in implicit attitudes. Overall, the results illustrate the potential of implicit attitudes models and methods in the area of Environmental Psychology. Moderate to null correlations between implicit attitudes and pro-environmental behaviors are observed. Low correlations are reported between implicit and explicit attitudes, although the relationship varies as a function of the object. No correlations between different implicit measures are found. Some studies demonstrate that it is possible to change implicit attitudes. Strengths and limitations of current research are discussed.

Validity and reliability of the attitudes toward traffic safety scale in Argentina

The main objective of this research was to investigate the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language version of the Attitudes toward Traffic Safety Scale (ATTS) for the assessment of risky driving attitudes among Spanish-speaking populations. Five hundred and fifty-eight drivers from Argentina participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the ATTS three-factor structure: Attitude towards violations and speeding, attitude towards the careless driving of others and attitude towards drinking and driving, χ2(87) = 205.91, p < .001; χ2/df = 2.36; GFI = .94; CFI = .93; TLI = .91; RMSEA = .05; 90% CI [.04, .06]. A model with one higher-order factor (overall attitude toward risky driving) also fits the data. Reliability estimates were acceptable for the total scale (α = .81) and for all subscales (with α values ranging from .74 to .84), and concurrent validity was supported by theoretically expected correlations with self-reported risky driving behavior (r ranging from .27 to .45, ps < .01). Subsequent comparison between zero-order correlation and partial correlation (controlling for Driver Impression Management) between ATTS subscales and self-reported risky driving behavior revealed minor or no effects of social desirability bias. Implications for road safety intervention are discussed

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Predicting road safety behavior with implicit attitudes and the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Introduction The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is one of the most widely used psychological models when it comes to explaining road safety behaviors. Recently, studies have also been conducted from the perspective of dual-process models. However, the present is the first study on road safety behaviors that integrates both perspectives. The study evaluates the roles of both implicit attitudes and TPB constructs in the prediction of seatbelt use. Method A sample of 100 drivers completed: (1) a self-reporting instrument on seatbelt use, (2) a questionnaire addressing TPB constructs, (3) an indirect measure of attitudes (Implicit Association Test), and (4) a social desirability scale. Results Results suggest that both types of attitudes make a significant and quite similar contribution to the explanation of seatbelt use. Interestingly, implicit attitudes were a better predictor than explicit attitudes among participants reporting inconsistent seatbelt use. In addition, path analysis models suggested that implicit attitudes appear to be relatively independent of TPB constructs and have a direct effect on seatbelt use. Conclusion The findings advance the idea of adding implicit attitudes to variables from the TPB model in order to increase the explanatory power of models used to predict road safety behaviors. Practical applications Potential use of implicit attitude measures in the education and training of drivers are discussed.

Manipulating the Alpha Level Cannot Cure Significance Testing.

We argue that making accept/reject decisions on scientific hypotheses, including a recent call for changing the canonical alpha level from p = 0.05 to p = 0.005, is deleterious for the finding of new discoveries and the progress of science. Given that blanket and variable alpha levels both are problematic, it is sensible to dispense with significance testing altogether. There are alternatives that address study design and sample size much more directly than significance testing does; but none of the statistical tools should be taken as the new magic method giving clear-cut mechanical answers. Inference should not be based on single studies at all, but on cumulative evidence from multiple independent studies. When evaluating the strength of the evidence, we should consider, for example, auxiliary assumptions, the strength of the experimental design, and implications for applications. To boil all this down to a binary decision based on a p-value threshold of 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, or anything else, is not acceptable.

Pedestrian crossing behavior, an observational study in the city of Ushuaia, Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: Pedestrian crashes are a critical problem in Latin American countries. However, little research has been published about pedestrians and even less about their behaviors in a naturalistic context. The objective of the present research was to explore risky pedestrian crossing behaviors in traffic intersections in an argentine city (Ushuaia). It is focused in different stages of the crossing process, traffic code violations, and other potentially risky behaviors such as distractions. A high frequency of risky behaviors among pedestrians was expected. Moreover, according to previous findings, it was hypothesized that men and younger pedestrians would show riskier behaviors. METHODS: Participants were 802 pedestrians (53.9% females) observed at several intersections (with and without traffic lights) in the city of Ushuaia. Behaviors were codified following a standardized observation protocol. Observers documented information on behavior previous to, during, and after crossing. Gender and age were also registered. Data were gathered through video recording. Frequency analyses of observed behaviors were conducted for the total sample, as well as by gender and by age group. A general crossing risk index was calculated to facilitate comparisons between the genders and age groups. We conducted an analysis of variance to evaluate gender and age differences for this index. RESULTS: A high proportion of risky behaviors were observed among pedestrians. The majority of pedestrian waited in the street (as opposed to on the sidewalk) before crossing, did not comply with traffic lights, or crossed outside the crosswalk. A large number of pedestrians were distracted while crossing. Men presented higher scores on risky behaviors than women. No differences were observed by age group. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of risk behaviors during the different stages of street crossing is worrisome and reinforces the idea that pedestrians are responsible for many of the conflicts with motorists. Many of the risky behaviors seem to be associated with gender, which is in line with the previous literature showing more risk behaviors among men than among women. No differences were found for age group. Findings are interpreted considering some features of the Argentine road culture.

Trabajo y salud en conductores de taxis / Working and health in taxi drivers

RESUMEN La conducción de taxis es una actividad potencialmente insalubre debido a las condiciones laborales que caracterizan la tarea, como la informalidad o la exposición a diferentes fuentes de riesgos para la salud. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue aportar información sobre las condiciones laborales, el estado de salud, los hábitos y las estrategias de afrontamiento de los conductores. En el estudio par ticiparon 421 conductores de taxi. Los datos se obtuvieron por medio de un cuestionario de auto-informe. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos sobre los diferentes aspectos estudiados. Los resultados indicaron que la jornada laboral típica era de 10 o 12 horas, que el riesgo de participar en un siniestro o de ser asaltado durante la jornada laboral era elevado, que los problemas de salud física y emocional más prevalentes eran dolores músculo-esqueléticos, mal humor e irritabilidad, sensación de cansancio y ansiedad, que los hábitos alimenticios eran poco saludables y bajos los niveles de actividad física, y que las estrategias de afrontamiento típicas eran de carácter paliativo e individual. El artículo aporta datos con una población latinoamericana, una región en la que no se ha generado mucha evidencia empírica sobre el problema. Se brindan recomen daciones para posibles intervenciones preventivas.

ABSTRACT Taxi driving is a potentially unhealthy activity due to working conditions such as piecework or the exposure to different sources of health risk. Some of the typical problems in the industry have been widely studied (e.g. car crashes) while others have received less attention (e.g. coping strategies). Moreover, most of the research comes from Anglo-Saxon, European or Eastern coutries. Much less is known about the problem in Latin America. The aim of the present paper was to study working condi tions and health status in taxi drivers from a Latinamerican country. The study include different aspects of the problem that have been previously studied separately. Participants were 42 taxi drivers, mostly male. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Participants gave information about their working conditions, health status, healthy and unhealthy habits, and coping strategies. Results indicated that the typical working day of a taxi driver ranges from 10 to 12 hours; that drivers have an elevated risk of being involved in a car crash or an assault; that the most prevalent physical or emotional problems are musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, bad mood, irritability, anxiety, and sleep disorders; that unhealthy eating habit and low levels of pshysical activity prevail; and that coping strategies are mainly palliative and individual. Finally, some recommendations for the development of preventive actions are given.

Propiedades psicométricas de una escala breve de autoeficacia para la conducción en conductores de Argentina / Psychometric properties of a driving self-efficacy scale-short form in Argentinean drivers

El objetivo de este estudio fue traducir y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de autoeficacia para la conducción desarrollada por Dorn y Machin (2004). Se analizó la estructura factorial de la escala, la confiabilidad y se recogieron evidencias de validez externa en una muestra de 447 conductores de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina. Adicionalmente, se analizó la invarianza factorial en base al sexo. Los resultados obtenidos por medio de análisis factorial confirmatorio ratifican la estructura unidimensional de la escala, y la invarianza de sus parámetros (configural, métrica y escalar) en hombres y mujeres. Se verificó una consistencia interna adecuada mediante el coeficiente alfa y omega (.81 en ambos casos) y se obtuvieron evidencias satisfactorias de validez externa de las puntuaciones de la escala con medidas de percepción de riesgo, conducción riesgosa, e historial de choques y multas de tránsito. Por último, se comprobó que la escala resulta relativamente robusta frente al sesgo de deseabilidad social. En conjunto, los resultados avalan la validez y confiabilidad de la escala para su uso en Argentina, aunque se requieren nuevas investigaciones que analicen propiedades psicométricas adicionales.

The purpose of this study was to translate and examine the psychometric properties of a driving self-efficacy scale developed by Dorn and Machin (2004). The factor structure, reliability and external validity of the scale were examined in a sample of 447 drivers from Cordoba, Argentina. In addition, measurement invariance across sex was also tested. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis support the unidimensional structure of the scale and the invariance of its parameters (configural, metric and scalar) between men and women. Reliability analyses using alpha and omega coefficients revealed high internal consistency (coefficients equal to .81 in both cases) and satisfactory evidence of external validity of the scale scores, with measures of risk perception, risky driving, history of traffic crashes and fines. Finally, results also showed that the scale seems to be relatively robust against response biases due to social desirability. In summary, findings support the validity and reliability of the scale in Argentina. However, further studies analyzing additional psychometric properties are needed.

Una tarea de estimación de colisiones y tiempo de llegada: evidencias preliminares de fiabilidad y validez / Uma tarefa de estimativa de colisões e tempo de chegada: evidências preliminares de confiabilidade e validade / A time-to-contact and collision estimation task: preliminary evidences of reliability and validity

Este trabajo analiza algunas propiedades psicométricas de una tarea estimativa de la trayectoria de objetos móviles. Este tipo de tarea suele utilizarse como parte de las baterías de evaluación de conductores en muchos países, pero son escasas las evidencias disponibles sobre validez. Sesenta participantes (treinta conductores profesionales y treinta de población general) completaron la prueba en dos ocasiones. Los resultados fueron positivos en algunos aspectos (e.g., consistencia interna), pero también muestran la necesidad de realizar algunos cambios y mejorías. Se requieren más estudios que ofrezcan evidencias externas de validez para este tipo de tarea. (AU)

Este trabalho analisa algumas propriedades psicométricas de uma tarefa na estimativa da trajetória de objetos móveis. Esse tipo de tarefa costuma ser utilizado como parte das baterias na avaliação de condutores em muitos países, mas são escassas as evidências disponíveis sobre a validade. Sessenta participantes (30 condutores profissionais e 30 da população geral) completaram a prova em duas ocasiões. Os resultados foram positivos em alguns aspectos (e.g., consistência interna), mas também mostram a necessidade de realizar mudanças e melhorias na prova. Requer-se mais estudos que ofereçam evidências externas que dê validade para esse tipo de tarefa. (AU)

This study analyzes some psychometric properties of a Time-to-contact and Collision Estimation Task. This type of measure is often used as part of driver testing in many countries. However, available evidences of validity are scarce. Sixty participants (split evenly between professional drivers and general population) completed the task on two occasions. The results were positive in some respects (e.g., internal consistency), but also show the need for changes and improvements in the task design. Further studies are needed to support the use of this type of measures. (AU)