Road accidents are a critical issue with global implications, stemming from various factors such as disobedience to traffic laws, reckless driving, aggressive behaviors, inadequate road infrastructure, and lack of vehicle maintenance (Shamoa-Nir, 2022; Shamoa-Nir, 2023; Shamoa-Nir & Koslowsky, 2010a). To address this, strengthening law enforcement through increased presence of traffic police, leveraging technology for better monitoring, and imposing stricter penalties for violations can effectively reduce road incidents. Furthermore, research highlights the importance of raising awareness, improving infrastructure, enforcing regulations, and educating the public on safe driving practices.
Road accidents and traffic offences resulting from the characteristics of drivers have been a subject of interest to many researchers in recent decades, with several studies attesting to an increase in negative outcomes, caused by characteristics such as irritability and frustration to anger and aggression (Hennessy & Wiesenthal, 2001; Hennessy & Wiesenthal, 2005; Jiang et al., 2018; Love et al., 2022; Montag & Comrey, 1987; Shamoa-Nir, 2011; Yu et al., 2004), leading to violent reactions such as drivers shooting at each other during an argument over a parking space (Marsh & Collett, 1987). Meta-analysis indicated an important relationship between anger while driving and road accidents (Zhang & Chan, 2016), and a recent study has demonstrated the role of emotional regulation in reducing drivers’ anger on the road (Bjureberg & Gross, 2021).
Additionally, researchers argue that driving is a complex activity that is often accompanied by stress (Gulian et al., 1989), and stress during driving can be caused by specific incidents with other drivers and is also an inherent part of commuting (Koslowsky et al., 1995; Koslowsky, 1997). Even though driving stress is hardly recognized by most individuals (Montoro et al., 2018), studies have found it to be an effective predictor of dangerous driving behaviors (Ge el al., 2014). That is, driving stress may impair driving performance by producing more traffic violations, thus increasing drivers’ risk of road accidents (Matthews et al., 1991; Matthews et al., 1997; Matthews et al., 1998; Useche et al., 2017). In addition, studies have found that the associations among driving stress, risk predisposition, and traffic sanctions are mediated by driving anger (Montoro et al., 2018).
Moreover, a significant concern related to road safety stems from both the potential alteration of driving behaviors due to the potential distractions during driving. In particular, driver drowsiness and distraction that in-vehicle feedback might induce stand out as the two primary contributors to traffic accidents (Kaplan et al., 2015; Young et al., 2011). As a result, researchers have dedicated over a decade to the development of driver inattention monitoring systems (Kaplan et al., 2015; Young et al., 2011). Consequently, numerous detection methods targeting both drowsiness and distraction have surfaced in the academic realm. Notably, several of these methodologies have found successful integration within major automotive companies (Kaplan et al., 2015). These safe driving techniques are essential for preventing accidents, minimizing injuries, and ensuring the overall safety of both the driver and other road users.
However, the escalating occurrence of road rage presents a challenge for road safety and law enforcement, particularly when it involves behaviors that may not explicitly qualify as traffic violations (Shamoa-Nir, 2023; Shamoa-Nir & Koslowsky, 2015). To tackle this issue, governments, organizations, and communities worldwide are actively engaged in promoting road safety initiatives. These efforts aim to raise awareness among citizens and involve them in the process of enforcing traffic laws.
This study will focus on the contribution of citizens, particularly active road safety guard volunteers, to enhancing road safety and reducing accidents. It aims to delve into their motivations, challenges, considerations for safety, and the support systems surrounding their volunteer work.
Enhancing the driving culture in Israel
The driving culture in Israel is a dynamic and complex interplay of various factors that shape the behavior and attitudes of drivers on the roads (Shamoa-Nir & Durchin, 2016). In particular, impatience, aggression and road rage are common so drivers may exhibit aggressive behaviors such as honking, tailgating, and more (Shamoa-Nir, 2011; Shamoa-Nir & Koslowsky, 2010). The Israeli police and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) both play pivotal roles in promoting and advancing road safety in Israel. These entities work together to enforce traffic laws, implement safety measures, and raise public awareness.
This research focuses on a significant issue in the public agenda of Israel - driving culture. Driving culture in Israel encompasses the collective attitudes, behaviors, norms, and practices related to driving on the country's roads (Shamoa-Nir & Durchin, 2016; Shamoa-Nir & Koslowsky, 2015). Notably, Israeli driving culture is characterized by informal rules and norms that may not always align with official traffic regulations (Shamoa-Nir & Durchin, 2016).
To improve the driving culture in Israel, a collaborative effort is needed from various stakeholders, including government authorities, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and individual drivers. Numerous initiatives have been established in Israel to enhance road safety culture, ensuring safe and secure driving for all road users and preventing accidents. Programs such as the Civil Guard, "Or Yarok" volunteers, "Shomrei Haderech," parent and student patrols in schools ("Mishmarot Zahav"), all aim to foster a culture of shared responsibility on the roads.
Particularly noteworthy are the collaborative projects for road safety involving the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) in partnership with the "Or Yarok" association, "Netiv B'toach" ("Safe Way") Association, and the Israeli Police. These organizations recruit volunteers from diverse backgrounds and professions who demonstrate their commitment by dedicating their time and efforts to enhance road safety in Israel. In certain cases, volunteers may even act as formal authorities, reporting traffic violations and issuing penalties or fines to offending drivers or pedestrians.
As a complement to a narrative review on volunteering (Kragt & Holtrop, 2019), this study aims to delve into the motivations, challenges, safety considerations, and support systems surrounding road safety guard volunteers. In particular, understanding their underlying motivations and the factors that contribute to their engagement in promoting road safety. Through this exploration, I seek to shed light on the crucial role played by these volunteers in fostering a safer road environment.