Traffic as a social dilemma? Viewing road user behaviour through a prosocial lens

Traffic serves as a context in which road users engage in various interactions, with the outcomes of these interactions bearing significant implications for the safety of all involved. While traditional research on road user behavior has predominantly focused on risky behaviors, there has been an increasing emphasis on prosocial, or positive, behaviors. This discussion paper posits that the road environment constitutes a complex social dilemma, wherein individual self-interest frequently conflicts with collective safety and efficiency. By integrating theoretical insights from the literature on altruism and prosociality, including distinctions between altruistic (self-sacrificing) and mutualistic (mutually beneficial) behaviors, we advocate for a more profound conceptual understanding of prosociality within traffic contexts. Future research directions are explored, encompassing methodological considerations and practical interventions, such as the implications for automated vehicle technologies. Ultimately, the paper proposes that enhanced theoretical clarity regarding prosocial driving can substantially contribute to the development of more effective policies and safer road environments.