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Warning signs on site increase awareness of dangers.
Those who are more aware of risks are more likely to make cautious decisions.
Adventurous hikers react less to risk warnings.
Motives such as competition or thrills reduce safety behavior.
Summary of this study
Hiking is a popular leisure activity worldwide. Although it is considered a rather safe "soft adventure" activity, misjudgments can still lead to dangerous situations or even fatal accidents. This study examines how hikers' motivations influence their precautionary behavior. It also shows how information directly on site (e.g. warning signs) can help to recognize risky behaviour and take action against it.
In an online experiment with 181 participants, it was investigated how different types of locally visible dangers and information influence the behavior of hikers. The personal motives of the hikers are particularly important here: For example, "competitive thinking" or the pursuit of thrills ("playing to the limit") influence the perception of risks and thus also safety behavior.
The findings are primarily aimed at tourism associations. This study provides practical recommendations on how safe hiking behavior can be specifically promoted - adapted to the respective hiking motives.
Findings of this study
On-site information such as warning signs can significantly increase the risk perception of hikers and sensitize them to possible dangers along the trail. An increased perception of risks usually leads to hikers taking precautionary action more often - for example, by abandoning a tour prematurely or turning back.
However, not all hikers react to such warnings in the same way: People with a strong motivation towards competition or self-expression are less influenced by risk warnings and show less precautionary behavior overall. Those who deliberately seek to "play to the limit" are also less willing to make safety-oriented decisions despite perceived risks.