Predicting and Changing Intentions to Avoid Driving into Urban Flash Flooding

Driving into floodwater is a leading cause of fatal and non-fatal drowning during times flood. The present research aimed to understand drivers’ beliefs intentions in relation driving caused by flash floods an urban area (Newcastle City, Australia), using the theory planned behavior as framework. study (N = 217) used survey-based design identify psychological processes (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, planning, moral norm) underpinning intention avoid Newcastle; concurrently investigate potential effects brief planning intervention on willingness drive Newcastle. structural equation model explained 49% variance Newcastle, with each significant independent predictors Paired samples t-tests revealed participants’ stay at their location not if flood alert was received, when there pressure from other drivers, significantly changed after intervention. These findings can inform targets development prevention strategies targeting personal mitigation measures, particularly context driver behaviour flooding area.