Intrinsic motivation and challenges of road safety volunteers: the interplay of educational role, coping strategies, resilience, and social impact

Abstract

Road safety is a critical concern worldwide, impacting individuals, communities, and societies. As mobility increases, so does the risk of accidents and injuries on roads, emphasizing the need for preventive measures. Road safety volunteers contribute significantly to promoting and maintaining road safety, making it important to understand their motivations and resilience sources. This study aimed to uncover what drives their commitment and the factors influencing their experiences as volunteers, informing them about strategies to support and enhance their efforts. Interviews with 28 road safety volunteers revealed three key themes: the driving forces behind their engagement, including intrinsic motivation, a sense of purpose, and social connection; challenges and coping strategies, such as the need for training, resilience, and peer support; and multifaceted benefits, including positive community impact and enhanced social connectivity. These findings highlight the potential benefits of promoting education on safe driving practices and encouraging citizen involvement in reducing traffic violations and road accidents.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-024-02315-2.

Introduction

Road accidents are a critical issue with global implications and stem from various factors, such as disobedience with traffic laws, reckless driving, aggressive behaviors inadequate road infrastructure, and lack of vehicle maintenance [1–5]. To address this issue, strengthening law enforcement through the increased presence of traffic police, leveraging technology for better monitoring, and imposing stricter penalties for violations can effectively reduce road incidents [4, 5]. Furthermore, research highlights the importance of raising awareness, improving infrastructure, enforcing regulations, and educating the public on safe driving practices [6–8].

Research on volunteer contributions to public safety highlights their essential role in promoting community well-being. For instance, Dobrin and Wolf [9] emphasized how volunteer officers enhance safety, while Thomson et al. [6] demonstrated that parent volunteers, despite lacking formal training, effectively improved children’s pedestrian safety. These examples emphasize the value of community involvement in fostering safety practices. Although prior studies stress the importance of fostering positive volunteer experiences to sustain engagement [9–12], there remains a notable gap in understanding the internal motivational factors that drive volunteers. This research addresses this gap by exploring volunteer engagement in road safety efforts.

In addition, this study examines road safety volunteers’ motivations and perceptions, emphasizing the support systems that help them overcome challenges. While coping strategies are recognized as key sources of resilience [13, 14], resilience in community volunteering remains underexplored. Specifically, the role of personal connection to the cause in fostering resilience among road safety volunteers is yet to be studied.

Enhancing road safety through volunteer engagement

Volunteering is widely recognized for its substantial impact on both individuals and communities. Thomson et al. [6] demonstrated that despite lacking formal training, parent volunteers effectively enhanced young children’s pedestrian safety skills by helping them identify road hazards, yielding lasting benefits comparable to those of professional educators. This underscores the important role of community involvement in promoting road safety education.

The literature underscores the diverse skill sets those volunteers bring to community-police relations and emphasizes the critical need to foster a positive volunteer experience to sustain their commitment [9–12]. Effective volunteer programs require substantial infrastructure investment to support features that enhance volunteer satisfaction and engagement [15, 16]. Recently, Pepper and Bullock [8] described the contributions of community speed watch (CSW) volunteers, a UK national initiative in which volunteers monitor speeding with police training and equipment, in enhancing road safety through their motivations, educational roles, and local insights, further underscoring the importance of volunteer involvement in community safety efforts.

However, there is a substantial need for extensive research aimed at thoroughly comprehending and adequately supporting volunteers, especially within community frameworks. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the internal motivational factors that drive volunteers, specific to the context of road safety initiatives. Notably, Newnam et al. [7] highlighted that volunteers’ driving behaviors during their service are significantly influenced by internal motivations, where ego-driven motives correlate with higher self-reported speeds and altruistic motives are linked to safer driving practices. These findings underscore the imperative of examining driving safety efforts, even within volunteer contexts.

Resilience in volunteerism: coping strategies and organizational support

Resilience theory, initially developed in psychology to describe how individuals recover from adversity, has been increasingly applied to volunteerism, highlighting its importance in sustaining volunteers in challenging roles. Rutter [17] suggests that resilience is not merely about bouncing back from adversity but also involves developing coping strategies to thrive despite difficulties. Resilience is shaped by personal, social, and environmental factors and refers to the ability to bounce back from difficulties and maintain a positive outlook despite facing stress or challenges [18, 19].

In the context of volunteerism, resilience is a dynamic process influenced by personal traits (e.g., optimism, self-efficacy), social support, and organizational factors [13, 20]. Volunteers are motivated both intrinsically, by a desire to help, and extrinsically, by community recognition, which can enhance their resilience [13, 14]. Ghodsi et al. [18] examined how individuals manage their responsibilities in their roles and found resilient coping to be a factor that moderates volunteer burnout emanating from incivility.

Coping strategies like emotional regulation, problem-solving, and strong social networks have been identified as key sources of resilience, helping volunteers manage the physical and emotional demands of their roles [13, 14]. Public service organizations can support resilience by offering training, resources, and a positive organizational culture, which can reduce burnout and improve volunteer retention [21]. Furthermore, fostering skill-building opportunities and clear communication between volunteers and their organizations strengthens their resilience and ensures continued engagement [20]. This understanding is important for exploring the internal factors that drive volunteers, particularly in road safety initiatives. Hence, this research aims to examine the role of resilience in helping volunteers navigate challenges in their commitment to road safety efforts.

The current study context: road safety challenges in Israel

Researchers have linked driver traits like irritability and frustration to anger, aggression, and negative road outcomes [22–27]. Studies highlight the role of emotional regulation in reducing driving anger and its association with accidents [28, 29]. Researchers suggest that driving is a complex, stressful activity, with stress stemming from both incidents with other drivers and the inherent challenges of commuting [30–32]. Studies have shown that driving stress can predict dangerous behaviors, such as traffic violations, increasing the risk of road accidents [33–36].

In response, researchers have focused on developing driver inattention monitoring systems, with several detection methods successfully integrated into vehicles by major automotive companies [37, 38]. While safe driving techniques are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users, the growing prevalence of road rage poses a significant challenge for road safety and law enforcement, particularly when it involves behaviors that may not clearly qualify as traffic violations [2].

The driving environment on Israeli roads is especially influenced by factors such as impatience, aggression, and road rage, which often manifest in behaviors like honking, tailgating, and speeding [39–41]. Thus, collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including government agencies like the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and volunteer organizations such as “Or Yarok” and “Mishmarot Zahav,” work together to improve road safety. These initiatives aim to promote shared responsibility on the roads, encourage safer driving behaviors, and reduce traffic violations through public awareness, enforcement, and community engagement.

The “Civil Guard” is a division within the Israel Police that organizes civilian volunteer activities, including efforts in traffic enforcement and road safety. Established to increase public involvement in safety and security, the Civil Guard as well as “Or Yarok” initiative mobilize volunteers to assist with policing tasks, focusing on raising awareness, reducing road incidents, and promoting responsible driving. Its approach plays a crucial role in supporting traffic control and enhancing road safety. Volunteers may even act as authorities, reporting traffic violations and issuing penalties [42]. Examining this role of community engagement in fostering responsible driving behaviors, may offer valuable understanding for enhancing community involvement in traffic law enforcement.

In summary, this study examines road safety volunteers, focusing on their motivations, resilience, and the support systems they rely on to promote road safety and contribute to a safer driving culture. Building on research related to the CSW road safety initiative [8], this study explores the challenges faced by volunteers and the factors that sustain their involvement. The following research questions guide this study:

1. What are the primary motivations that drive individuals to volunteer as road safety guards?

2. What are the main challenges faced by road safety volunteers in carrying out their duties?

3. How do road safety volunteers perform their roles? Do they receive support to aid their efforts?

4. What coping strategies do road safety volunteers employ to manage the demands and challenges of their roles?

Method

Sampling and procedure

These data are derived from a comprehensive study centered on the topic of aggressive driving (Ethics: ZAC #401–2018). Using Online platforms like local WhatsApp and Facebook groups, twenty-eight road safety volunteers from two main initiatives (“Or Yarok” and “Civil Guard”) in Israel were recruited to participate in this study (10 women, 18 men; 31–61 years old, M = 51.7, SD = 3.4). The duration of volunteer participation ranged from 3 to 10 years, with an average of 4–6 h per week, and the duration of participant driving experience ranged from 31 to 43 years (M = 36.8, SD = 2.7). The demographic background of the volunteers showed that all of them were parents of children; among them, 23 were married and 5 were single parents. Additionally, 7 of them reside in a large city, 12 live in a small town, and 9 live in a communal settlement, moshav, or kibbutz. Participation in the study was voluntary, and participants received a coupon as an incentive for their involvement (the coupon is worth 30 shekels, which is approximately 8 USD, based on the current exchange rate).

A qualitative research approach was employed to gather the data through structured semi-interviews. Participants were recruited through community outreach, online platforms such as local WhatsApp and Facebook groups dedicated to community volunteering. Each interview was conducted face-to-face in a quiet, private setting to ensure comfort and confidentiality, lasting approximately 45–60 min. The interview questionnaire developed for this study consisted of a set of open-ended questions to elicit detailed responses from the participants (see supplementary file). The interview questions were designed to collect in-depth information about the participants’ backgrounds, motivations, experiences, and skills related to their volunteer work as safety guards. The interview questions covered a wide range of topics, including personal details, volunteering history, reasons for volunteering, training, challenges faced, and qualities that make a good volunteer.

Coding procedure and analysis

Following thematic analysis procedures delineated by Bryman [43], in the first stage of analysis, the author and another researcher analyzed an initial set of eight interviews to identify distinct themes and decide which ones to pursue. Initial analysis revealed three themes: (a) “The Driving Forces Behind Road safety volunteers” illuminates the intrinsic motivations, personal commitments, and sense of purpose that inspire volunteers to engage actively in promoting road safety, (b) " Challenges and Adaptive Coping Strategies of Road Safety Volunteers,” explores the obstacles faced by volunteers, including training gaps, legal limitations, and interactions with uncooperative drivers, and (c) " Acknowledgments of the Social Contributions of Road Safety Volunteers,” elucidates the broader social impact and community benefits resulting from their efforts. After comparing notes, we developed a coding scheme for the three major themes and the sub-themes [44]. Then the coding process tracked relevant themes in each interview. At the last stage, two research assistants performed a separate blind coding, and we compared the agreement of their codes with the author’s codes. The coding results had high reliability; agreement with the author codes was highly reliable (see Table 1 for interrater agreement by sub-theme). The analysis reported below is based on the agreed codes.

Table 1.

Coding scheme for motivations, challenges and perceptions of the role of road safety volunteers

Coding scheme
Theme	Theme content	Subthemes	Interater agreement	Frequency (N)
The Driving Forces	Participants refer to the intrinsic motivation and dedication behind their voluntary engagement	Sense of purpose	96%	22
		Social engagement	92%	17
		Educational role	90%	16
Challenges and Coping Strategies	Participants describe both, difficulties they encounter and coping strategies, while fulfilling their volunteer responsibilities	Training and protection	95%	15
		Coping and resilience	90%	20
		Peer support and solidarity	89%	18
Multifaceted Benefits	Participants refer to benefits and advantages resulting from their volunteering	Positive community impact	90%	21
		Social connectivity	89%	19

Findings

The driving forces behind road safety volunteers

The primary theme that surfaced from the interviews revolves around the intrinsic motivation and dedication that drive road safety volunteers. Participants described their commitment to Israel’s road safety system as rooted in a genuine desire to contribute positively. Their motivations for volunteering varied, reflecting both personal aspirations and a shared goal of improving road safety. For instance, some mentioned a “personal commitment to promoting road safety” (volunteer number 7, woman, age 40) and a “desire to contribute to their community” (volunteer number 11, man, age 60). Others highlighted a sense of “duty toward protecting fellow drivers” and preventing accidents. Some volunteers mentioned “being directly affected by road accidents” (Volunteer number 8, man, age 46) or “knowing someone close who was affected by road accidents” (Volunteer number 3, man, age 48), which motivated them to take action. The subsequent subthemes shed light on specific motivations that further elucidate the driving force behind voluntary engagement.

Sense of purpose and personal gain

The interviews indicated that the road safety volunteers felt a strong sense of purpose and personal self-gain in their roles. Each volunteer expressed a profound appreciation for the significance of safe driving and a clear understanding of the positive impact they could make through their active involvement in the initiative. In fact, most of them considered themselves active contributors to improving road safety and preventing traffic violations. Many expressed deep satisfaction in knowing that their involvement could save lives and make a positive impact on their communities. Volunteers found profound personal fulfillment in their roles, as Volunteer number 27 (woman, age 42) stated:

“I have found a deep sense of fulfillment in being part of this initiative. It is not just about promoting safe driving; it is about knowing that I’m making a difference in my community. Personally, it has boosted my confidence and given me a sense of purpose that I did not expect. Every time I see drivers obeying traffic rules because of our efforts, I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.”

This statement illustrates that the volunteers reported experiencing personal self-gain through their contributions, including enhanced self-esteem, a sense of accomplishment, and personal growth. This personal self-gain not only motivated them to continue their volunteer efforts but also reinforced their commitment to the cause.

Social engagement

The interviews underscored the volunteers’ strong desire to actively engage with their communities and foster a culture of safe driving, particularly within their local areas. For many volunteers, their motivation stemmed from a sense of responsibility toward their neighborhoods and cities. The participants viewed themselves as “ambassadors for road safety” (Volunteer number 5, man, age 56), dedicated to raising awareness and promoting responsible behavior among drivers. Some volunteersalso took part in educational initiatives, such as visiting schools or participating in community events, to advocate for safe road practices. Notably, one volunteer (number 8, man, age 46) shared their involvement in a campaign within their community aimed at increasing awareness about the initiative and its objectives.

Educational role

In exploring the experiences of Road Guardians, a prominent theme emerged—a strong sense of mission in education. Many volunteers expressed satisfaction in actively supporting law enforcement by reporting observed traffic violations. Volunteer number 8 (a 46-year-old man) captured this sentiment, stating, “I’m not interested in getting people into trouble. In contrast, I help them [road offenders] to improve. It’s teaching them to be better drivers.”Volunteers recognize their significance in “making a positive impact on people,” as articulated by Volunteer number 10 (a 50-year-old woman). They understand their role in promoting safe driving practices and preventing accidents, deriving a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment from their educational contributions.

Challenges and adaptive coping strategies of road safety volunteers

Meeting challenges: training gaps and legal protection

The analysis revealed several challenges encountered by road safety volunteers in their role. These challenges include facing resistance or hostility from drivers when attempting to document violations, the emotional toll of witnessing dangerous driving behaviors, and the need for ongoing support and training to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

While volunteers undergo training programs and receive guidelines on how to safely and effectively document and report traffic violations, some volunteers expressed that the training provided was insufficient, as Volunteer number 19 (woman, age 53) stated:

“The training we get is okay, but honestly, it feels incomplete. We were given guidance on documenting and reporting traffic violations, but there are situations on the road for which we have not been prepared. We need more comprehensive training that covers a wider range of scenarios we encounter during our patrols.”

Volunteers feel that it is not necessary to equip them with the necessary skills to handle different situations they may encounter on the road.

Some volunteers expressed concerns about the level of legal protection and support provided to them while carrying out their responsibilities within this framework. Furthermore, approximately half of the volunteers reported conflicts with drivers committing violations, particularly when legal consequences were involved. In some cases, conflicts or deviations from guidelines resulted in suspension from the volunteering list.

“Some of us feel like we were left alone in regard to legal backup. In addition, when we have to deal with drivers who break the rules, things can get tense. It is frustrating because sometimes we end up facing consequences, like getting suspended, even when we are just trying to do our job.” (Volunteer number 3, man, age 48).

Coping strategies and resilience

The research findings illuminate the challenges and frustrations faced by safety guard volunteers in carrying out their duties. Most participants addressed encounters with aggressive or uncooperative drivers, as well as limitations in their authority or resources to address road safety issues effectively.

Safety guard volunteers employ various coping strategies to manage the stress and challenges associated with their role. These coping strategies included both individual strategies and support systems within the volunteer community. Some participants indicated that they used coping strategies to manage the pressures of handling traffic and dealing with aggressive drivers. For example:

“[…] I was stationed at a busy intersection during rush hour. Despite my efforts to manage traffic flow, there were several aggressive drivers who honked, yelled, and disregarded traffic signs. I was overwhelmed and began to feel frustrated since I failed to control the traffic effectively […], but in these cases, I always try to remind myself that traffic congestion is beyond my control. Instead of blaming myself, I try to remember that this is a challenging situation.” (Volunteer number 6, man, age 45).

Amidst feelings of overwhelm and frustration, this volunteer exemplified the practice of cognitive reframing, shifting his perspective from viewing the situation as a personal failure to recognizing the inherent challenges beyond his or her control. Moreover, volunteers emphasize their role as facilitators of assistance and guidance to drivers navigating through intersections, refraining from assuming complete control over driver behavior. By focusing on the positive aspects of their contributions, such as ensuring pedestrian safety and accident prevention, volunteers actively engage in cognitive reframing to maintain a constructive outlook amidst adversities.

Additionally, some volunteers employ emotional regulation techniques, such as deep breathing and brief respite breaks, to manage their emotional responses when confronted with overwhelming situations. For instance;

“When things get intense out there, like dealing with aggressive drivers or hectic traffic, I have learned to keep my cool. I do some deep breathing or step away for a quick break. It helps me stay focused and handle the situation better. Keeping a level head is key to keeping everyone safe on the road.” (Volunteer number 20, woman, age 53).

These coping strategies underscore the resilience and adaptive capacity of safety guard volunteers to effectively manage the demands of their roles while maintaining a sense of efficacy and well-being.

Peer support and solidarity

The interview findings underscore the vital role of peer support networks among safety guard volunteers. While some of the volunteers struggled with working solo, the majority stressed the necessity of social connections for sharing experiences and providing mutual encouragement. Furthermore, peer support fosters solidarity, validates experiences, and offers emotional and practical assistance, enhancing volunteers’ resilience. For instance:

“Having friends who volunteer with me is truly important. It is not just about being friends; it is about sharing tips, encouraging each other, and having each other’s backs. That support keeps us committed, even when things get challenging.” (Volunteer number 28, man, age 31).

Solidarity emerges as a factor in sustaining long-term commitment among volunteers, supplementing their initial motivations for engaging in volunteering.

Acknowledgments of the social contributions of road safety volunteers

The content analysis revealed a broad spectrum of social benefits linked to volunteering in the road safety initiative. A majority of the volunteers reported experiencing both personal and social advantages resulting from their contributions. The subthemes discussed below highlight the specific social benefits that were mentioned by the volunteers.

Positive community impact

Many volunteers expressed a deep sense of social responsibility toward their communities. Through participation in the Civil Gard Initiative, they directly contribute to community well-being by reporting violations and enhancing road safety. This active involvement is seen as integral to accident prevention and life-saving efforts, amplifying quality of life, especially within neighborhoods and communities. Notably, volunteers such as Volunteer numbers 2, 6, and 13 view themselves as catalysts for change and are committed to making positive environments “through daily acts of assistance and community contribution” (Volunteer number 10, a 50-year-old woman).

Social connectivity

Participation in the initiative fosters social connections among volunteers. Despite not functioning as a cohesive unit, many volunteers joined the program through recommendations from friends, fostering a network of support and camaraderie. Additionally, volunteers such as Volunteer numbers 2 and 8 highlighted how their involvement expanded their social circles, demonstrating the social benefits derived from volunteering during the initiative.

Discussion

This research explored road safety volunteers, aiming to shed light on their motivations, perceptions of their roles, and the challenges they face. The findings suggest that road safety volunteers are driven by a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to contribute to their communities. They perceive their roles as influential in promoting safe driving behaviors and preventing road accidents. However, their efforts are not without obstacles, including conflicts with violators and potential legal ramifications. Despite these challenges, volunteers exhibit diverse motivations, a strong sense of purpose, and active community engagement, which empower them in their roles. The hostility drivers encounter underscores their resilience in navigating the complexities of their positions. Importantly, the study underscores the role of peer-based support in bolstering this resilience. These findings highlight the importance of fostering education on safe driving and creating opportunities for citizen involvement, such as volunteer programs, to empower individuals in promoting road safety and preventing traffic violations and accidents.

Research has indicated that certain safe driving techniques can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and promote responsible driving behavior [ [4, 5, 27, 28]. However, with the escalating occurrence of road rage and the challenge of apprehending offenders [2], even for aggressive behaviors that may not be explicit traffic violations [3], it may be essential to raise awareness of safe driving practices and encourage active citizen involvement in supporting traffic law enforcement to enhance road safety. Indeed, this research highlights volunteers’ strong sense of social responsibility and conviction in making a positive difference in their community. By actively participating in road safety initiatives, they believe that they contribute to a safer road environment.

A key finding from this study is that road safety volunteers rely on specific coping strategies and support systems to maintain their well-being and commitment. The unique challenges faced by this group highlight the importance of these factors in enhancing volunteer resilience [19, 20]. The findings reveal that the coping strategies employed by road safety volunteers underscore their resilience and adaptive capacity in effectively managing the demands of their roles. These coping strategies, which are essential for understanding volunteers’ resilience, include individual-level strategies such as cognitive reframing and emotion regulation, as well as interpersonal strategies such as seeking peer support. This study contributes theoretically to resilience research by demonstrating that resilience is not a fixed trait but rather a dynamic process, consistent with the perspective of Rutter [17]. The evidence from road safety volunteers supports and extends these theoretical frameworks, highlighting the significance of individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors in shaping resilience.

In addition, similar to previous studies on volunteer motivations [45], this research found that volunteering offers both psychological and social benefits. On a general level, volunteering empowers individuals by providing a sense of purpose and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, thereby expanding their social networks. Specifically, for road safety volunteers, these roles not only fulfill personal aspirations but also enable individuals to contribute significantly to public safety. Volunteering in this context allows individuals to be part of a broader process of social change, directly addressing community needs related to safe driving and road safety. These multifaceted benefits of volunteering may be further enhanced through proper training, ongoing support, and clear legal guidelines, which volunteers often view as important for ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of road safety volunteers. This study underscores the importance of structural support for maintaining volunteer motivation and efficacy, highlighting the specific and valuable contributions of road safety volunteers to societal well-being.

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. While the sample size aligns with the goals of qualitative research, which prioritizes depth and richness of data over representativeness, the lack of diversity within the sample could have constrained the range of themes identified, potentially omitting perspectives that might arise in a more varied participant group. Importantly, data collection continued until saturation was reached, meaning no new themes emerged in the final interviews. To better reflect the broader population of road safety volunteers, future research would benefit from a larger and more diverse sample to capture additional perspectives and potentially uncover further themes that were not addressed in this study.

Conclusion

This research highlights volunteers’ perception of their significant role in promoting road safety and reducing accidents, driven by motivations such as civic duty, a desire to positively impact their communities, and personal experiences with road incidents. The challenges faced by road safety volunteers, including interactions with aggressive drivers, ensuring personal safety on busy roads, and accessing adequate resources and support, emphasize the need for robust community involvement and support structures. Based on the findings of this study, it may be beneficial to explore community engagement strategies such as workshops and seminars to promote safe driving behaviors.

In summary, the research findings on the motivations and challenges of road safety volunteers emphasize the importance of citizen participation in promoting road safety. Exploring the coping strategies of these volunteers enhances our understanding of resilience in volunteerism and public service, with implications for organizations and policymakers. These findings can help strengthen support systems to improve the well-being and effectiveness of road safety volunteers and other community-based roles. By better understanding these dynamics, we can develop strategies that promote community safety and foster sustained volunteer engagement in public service roles.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Author contributions

L.S.N conducted the research and wrote the manuscript.

Funding

This research was not funded by funding sources.

Data availability

It is not possible to share research data publicly due to participants privacy.

Declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study was approved by the Zefat Academic College ethics committee: ZAC #401–2018. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. Informed consent was obtained from all the subjects.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.