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Volume 16, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Social Problems of Iran 2025, 16(3): 9-58 |
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Babazadeh Baei A, Aliverdinia A, Janalizadeh H. (2025). A Sociological Explanation of Violations of Traffic Laws (Case Study: Citizens of Mazandaran Province). Social Problems of Iran. 16(3), 9-58. doi:10.61882/jspi.16.3.9
URL: http://jspi.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3890-en.html
URL: http://jspi.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3890-en.html
1- PhD Student in Social Problems of Iran, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
2- Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran ,aliverdinia@umz.ac.ir
3- Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
2- Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran ,
3- Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
Abstract: (278 Views)
Abstract
This research aims to explain violations of traffic laws using the Expanded Deterrence Theory of Stafford and Warr, Akers' Social Learning Theory, and Wikström's Situational Action Theory. This study employed a survey method, using a questionaire for data collection. The statistical population consists of individuals over 18 years of age passed a driver's license in Mazandaran Province. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used for the sample size of 400 people. The descriptive findings indicate that the most common traffic violations committed by respondents in the past two years were using a mobile phone while driving, while the least frequent violations were running red lights. The results of the regression analysis reveal that the variables of criminal propensity, the Criminogeneity of setting, neutralizing definitions, and experience of punishment avoidance have a significant impact on traffic law violations. However, differential reinforcement does not significantly influence the dependent variable. Thus, based on Situational Action Theory, it can be argued that an increase in criminal propensity and the Criminogeneity of setting leads to a higher incidence of traffic law violations. Additionally, according to Extended Deterrence Theory, experience of punishment avoidance —by reducing the perceived certainty of punishment—may increase the violations. It should also be noted that, consistent with Social Learning Theory, neutralizing definitions may lead to repeated traffic violations by reducing guilty feeling, whereas differential reinforcement does not produce this outcome. This may be due to the normalization of violations and a widespread belief in the uncertainty of punishment within the studied population.
Extended Abstract
1. Introduction
Traffic and driver behavior have a significant impact on public health, the economy, and safety, and compliance with traffic laws is crucial for the prevention of accidents. Traffic violations such as speeding, running red lights, and driving under the influence are the main factors contributing to the increase in road accidents and fatalities. Reports indicate that over 90% of accidents are caused by human factors, and both Iran and Mazandaran Province have experienced a rising trend in casualties and injuries. These incidents, in addition to human loses, impose substantial economic costs. Understanding the factors influencing traffic violations in Mazandaran, because of its high population density, car-oriented transportation structure, and susceptibility to influences from major cities, is particularly important for reducing accidents and improving road safety.
2. Methodology
This study used a cross-sectional survey design. The target population included individuals over 18 years old with a valid driving license in Mazandaran Province, totaling 1,586,112 people according to the Applied Research Center of the Iranian Police (FARAJA). Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 400 participants was selected through stratified proportional sampling. Three counties (Babol, Ramsar, and Behshahr) were randomly chosen, and the sample size in each county was proportional to the number of license holders. Data were collected using questionnaires based on standardized items, which showed acceptable validity and reliability. The study examined variables such as traffic law violations, criminal propensity, criminogeneity of setting, differential reinforcement, neutralization techniques, and experiences of escaping punishment, all measured with validated instruments.
3. Findings
1.The respondents were mostly in the middle-age group (31–59 years), with an average age of approximately 42 years. Most were born in urban areas and currently reside in cities. In terms of education, about half of the participants held a university degree, while only 0.5% were illiterate. The majority had 10 to 20 years of driving experience, with an average of 14 years and 4 months. During a 24-hour period, most respondents drive for no more than one hour, and the average daily driving time is approximately two hours and thirty-five minutes. Additionally, 93% of respondents owned a passenger car, 4% a commercial vehicle, and 3% owned both types of vehicle
2.Regarding the main variables of the study, criminal propensity, Criminogeneity of setting, neutralizing definitions, and the Punishment avoidance were generally low among respondents, while differential reinforcement was mostly at a moderate level. Furthermore, in examining traffic violations over the past two years, the most common offense was "using a mobile phone while driving," followed by "not wearing a seatbelt" and "not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead." The least frequent violation was running a red light.
3.This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing traffic violations and to analyze the impact of individual and environmental factors on drivers' behavior. The findings indicated that criminal propensity has a significant and positive effect on traffic violations; Individuals with criminal propensities are more likely to engage in illegal driving behaviors. Additionally, criminogenic environmental characteristics significantly increase violations, suggesting that environmental conditions conducive to committing offenses raise the likelihood of risky driving behaviors.
4. Contrary to expectations, differential reinforcement did not have a significant impact on violations, meaning that peer pressures and social influences from peer groups do not play a prominent role in this sample. In contrast, neutralization techniques and the experience of Punishment avoidance had a positive and significant effect on violations; that is, individuals who justify their behaviors or have experienced avoiding punishment are more likely to engage in repeated violations. These findings indicate that both psychological factors and previous individual experiences play an important role in committing violations.
4. Conclusion
In the present era, the importance of traffic and its impact on the economic, social, cultural, and health aspects of human life is undeniable. The increasing use of automobiles and the necessity of maintaining social order highlight the need for traffic laws and regulations for handling violations. Traffic laws are designed to reduce unsafe behaviors and prevent accidents, defining actions such as driving under the influence or speeding as illegal. In the present study, based on the theoretical framework of three theories (extended deterrence, social learning, and situational action) hypotheses related to the effects of criminal propensity, Criminogeneity of setting, differential reinforcement, neutralization techniques, and experiences of Punishment avoidance on traffic violations were tested.
The results of statistical analyses indicated that criminal propensity has a significant positive effect on traffic violations; in other words, an increase in criminal propensity leads to a higher likelihood of committing violations, which is consistent with Wikstrom’s situational action theory. Additionally, Criminogeneity of setting also have a significant positive impact on violations; that is, the more conducive the environment is to committing violations, the higher the rate of traffic offenses. On the other hand, differential reinforcement did not have a significant effect on violations, and the related hypothesis was not confirmed, suggesting that in some societies, social pressures, environmental conditions, and lack of adequate supervision can neutralize the influence of social reinforcements. In contrast, neutralization techniques exert a significant positive effect on violations; individuals who justify or rationalize their behaviors reduce their feelings of guilt, which in turn increases the likelihood of repeated offenses. Furthermore, the experience of Punishment avoidance also has a significant positive impact on violations, meaning that the more frequently individuals experience evading sanctions, the more likely they are to commit violations. This finding aligns with the extended deterrence theory.
Based on these findings, policies aimed at reducing traffic violations should be grounded in both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. Proper and continuous education on traffic laws in schools, along with practical and theoretical training programs, can help internalize legal and ethical values in individuals. Promoting traffic safety culture and raising awareness through mass media, employing surveillance technologies such as trackers and smart cameras, implementing graduated fines and alternative punishments, ensuring transparency in police operations, and encouraging social participation in monitoring drivers can all contribute to reducing violations and enhancing compliance with traffic regulations. Overall, the study’s findings suggest that a combination of education, cultural promotion, increased certainty of law enforcement, and the use of social and technological monitoring represents the most effective approach for mitigating traffic violations.
This research aims to explain violations of traffic laws using the Expanded Deterrence Theory of Stafford and Warr, Akers' Social Learning Theory, and Wikström's Situational Action Theory. This study employed a survey method, using a questionaire for data collection. The statistical population consists of individuals over 18 years of age passed a driver's license in Mazandaran Province. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used for the sample size of 400 people. The descriptive findings indicate that the most common traffic violations committed by respondents in the past two years were using a mobile phone while driving, while the least frequent violations were running red lights. The results of the regression analysis reveal that the variables of criminal propensity, the Criminogeneity of setting, neutralizing definitions, and experience of punishment avoidance have a significant impact on traffic law violations. However, differential reinforcement does not significantly influence the dependent variable. Thus, based on Situational Action Theory, it can be argued that an increase in criminal propensity and the Criminogeneity of setting leads to a higher incidence of traffic law violations. Additionally, according to Extended Deterrence Theory, experience of punishment avoidance —by reducing the perceived certainty of punishment—may increase the violations. It should also be noted that, consistent with Social Learning Theory, neutralizing definitions may lead to repeated traffic violations by reducing guilty feeling, whereas differential reinforcement does not produce this outcome. This may be due to the normalization of violations and a widespread belief in the uncertainty of punishment within the studied population.
Extended Abstract
1. Introduction
Traffic and driver behavior have a significant impact on public health, the economy, and safety, and compliance with traffic laws is crucial for the prevention of accidents. Traffic violations such as speeding, running red lights, and driving under the influence are the main factors contributing to the increase in road accidents and fatalities. Reports indicate that over 90% of accidents are caused by human factors, and both Iran and Mazandaran Province have experienced a rising trend in casualties and injuries. These incidents, in addition to human loses, impose substantial economic costs. Understanding the factors influencing traffic violations in Mazandaran, because of its high population density, car-oriented transportation structure, and susceptibility to influences from major cities, is particularly important for reducing accidents and improving road safety.
2. Methodology
This study used a cross-sectional survey design. The target population included individuals over 18 years old with a valid driving license in Mazandaran Province, totaling 1,586,112 people according to the Applied Research Center of the Iranian Police (FARAJA). Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 400 participants was selected through stratified proportional sampling. Three counties (Babol, Ramsar, and Behshahr) were randomly chosen, and the sample size in each county was proportional to the number of license holders. Data were collected using questionnaires based on standardized items, which showed acceptable validity and reliability. The study examined variables such as traffic law violations, criminal propensity, criminogeneity of setting, differential reinforcement, neutralization techniques, and experiences of escaping punishment, all measured with validated instruments.
3. Findings
1.The respondents were mostly in the middle-age group (31–59 years), with an average age of approximately 42 years. Most were born in urban areas and currently reside in cities. In terms of education, about half of the participants held a university degree, while only 0.5% were illiterate. The majority had 10 to 20 years of driving experience, with an average of 14 years and 4 months. During a 24-hour period, most respondents drive for no more than one hour, and the average daily driving time is approximately two hours and thirty-five minutes. Additionally, 93% of respondents owned a passenger car, 4% a commercial vehicle, and 3% owned both types of vehicle
2.Regarding the main variables of the study, criminal propensity, Criminogeneity of setting, neutralizing definitions, and the Punishment avoidance were generally low among respondents, while differential reinforcement was mostly at a moderate level. Furthermore, in examining traffic violations over the past two years, the most common offense was "using a mobile phone while driving," followed by "not wearing a seatbelt" and "not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead." The least frequent violation was running a red light.
3.This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing traffic violations and to analyze the impact of individual and environmental factors on drivers' behavior. The findings indicated that criminal propensity has a significant and positive effect on traffic violations; Individuals with criminal propensities are more likely to engage in illegal driving behaviors. Additionally, criminogenic environmental characteristics significantly increase violations, suggesting that environmental conditions conducive to committing offenses raise the likelihood of risky driving behaviors.
4. Contrary to expectations, differential reinforcement did not have a significant impact on violations, meaning that peer pressures and social influences from peer groups do not play a prominent role in this sample. In contrast, neutralization techniques and the experience of Punishment avoidance had a positive and significant effect on violations; that is, individuals who justify their behaviors or have experienced avoiding punishment are more likely to engage in repeated violations. These findings indicate that both psychological factors and previous individual experiences play an important role in committing violations.
4. Conclusion
In the present era, the importance of traffic and its impact on the economic, social, cultural, and health aspects of human life is undeniable. The increasing use of automobiles and the necessity of maintaining social order highlight the need for traffic laws and regulations for handling violations. Traffic laws are designed to reduce unsafe behaviors and prevent accidents, defining actions such as driving under the influence or speeding as illegal. In the present study, based on the theoretical framework of three theories (extended deterrence, social learning, and situational action) hypotheses related to the effects of criminal propensity, Criminogeneity of setting, differential reinforcement, neutralization techniques, and experiences of Punishment avoidance on traffic violations were tested.
The results of statistical analyses indicated that criminal propensity has a significant positive effect on traffic violations; in other words, an increase in criminal propensity leads to a higher likelihood of committing violations, which is consistent with Wikstrom’s situational action theory. Additionally, Criminogeneity of setting also have a significant positive impact on violations; that is, the more conducive the environment is to committing violations, the higher the rate of traffic offenses. On the other hand, differential reinforcement did not have a significant effect on violations, and the related hypothesis was not confirmed, suggesting that in some societies, social pressures, environmental conditions, and lack of adequate supervision can neutralize the influence of social reinforcements. In contrast, neutralization techniques exert a significant positive effect on violations; individuals who justify or rationalize their behaviors reduce their feelings of guilt, which in turn increases the likelihood of repeated offenses. Furthermore, the experience of Punishment avoidance also has a significant positive impact on violations, meaning that the more frequently individuals experience evading sanctions, the more likely they are to commit violations. This finding aligns with the extended deterrence theory.
Based on these findings, policies aimed at reducing traffic violations should be grounded in both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. Proper and continuous education on traffic laws in schools, along with practical and theoretical training programs, can help internalize legal and ethical values in individuals. Promoting traffic safety culture and raising awareness through mass media, employing surveillance technologies such as trackers and smart cameras, implementing graduated fines and alternative punishments, ensuring transparency in police operations, and encouraging social participation in monitoring drivers can all contribute to reducing violations and enhancing compliance with traffic regulations. Overall, the study’s findings suggest that a combination of education, cultural promotion, increased certainty of law enforcement, and the use of social and technological monitoring represents the most effective approach for mitigating traffic violations.
Keywords: Punishment avoidance, Differential reinforcement, Neutralizing definitions, The Criminogeneity of setting, Criminal propensity, Traffic law violations.
Type of Article: Original Research |
Subject:
Social problems
Received: 2025/05/28 | Accepted: 2025/07/3 | Published: 2025/11/22
Received: 2025/05/28 | Accepted: 2025/07/3 | Published: 2025/11/22
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