Abstract
Effect of recent losses and gains on drivers risky behavior. We analyze the effect of recent losses and gains on risky behavior and the risk perceived in performance on the TIC/PC driving simulator. The theoretical models analyzed coincide in predicting an mercase in risky behavior after the loss and no modification after the gain. The results obtained do not confirm these predictions with regard to the effect of recent losses. The group which has gained does not differ from the control group. With regard to perceived risk, only the Zero-Risk Theory predicts modifications after the loss. Even though our experimental subjects perceive less risk after the loss, this is not translated by an increase in risky behavior. It appears that perception and behavior are controlled by different mechanisms.
