Comparative Optimism, Perceived Control, Knowledge of Security Devices and the Behavior in Case of Road Tunnel Fire

This article presents a study aiming at investigating the effect of comparative optimism, anxiety, safety devices awareness on behavioural intention in case of a fire in a road tunnel. One hundred and fifty-one road users (firemen, truck drivers, regular drivers, and driving-school students) filled out a questionnaire measuring their perceptions of risks, their awareness of safety devices, and their behavioural intentions in case of a fire. Results show differences in perceptions between each category of participants and an interaction between anxiety and perceived control on comparative optimism. High professional practice with risk management lead to a better perception. For people with a low level of anxiety, comparative optimism is as high as perceived control is high. While for people with high level of anxiety, no variation was observed in comparative optimism according to the perceived control. We also found an effect of safety devices awareness on behavioural intentions. People with more rescue devices awareness tended to take less risk. Bearing on such results, suggestions are made for the improvement of communication in case of a fire and to develop users training in accordance with tunnel security specificities.