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

Abstract

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.