Who is a dangerous driver? Socio-demographic and personal determinants of risky traffic behavior

Abstract

The aim of this study was to search for comprehensive socio-demographic and personal (personality and temperamental) determinants of risky on-the-road behavior. Based on the results of previous studies, we assumed that the main predictors of dangerous traffic behavior include: internal locus of control, sensation seeking, risk seeking and risk acceptance, as well as high self-esteem, a low level of reactivity combined with a high level of endurance and activity (which together determine a strong need for stimulation and a preference for hedonistic values); and among socio-demographic variables-age, gender, education and duration of having a driving license. participants and procedure The study included a group of 380 participants, aged between 19 and 61 years (Me = 24). In order to verify the hypothesis, a battery of research tools measuring personality and temperamental variables was adopted, namely: the Formal Characteristics of Behavior-Temperament Questionnaire,

Personal determinants of acceptance of drinking and driving among Polish drivers

“…As was hypothesized, drunk driving is more often approved of by unmarried men. This fact, as already mentioned above and covered in the literature on the subject, can be linked to the men's greater tendency to take risks (Peplińska et al, 2015) or seek sensations (Beirness & Simpson, 1988;Beirness, 1993;Jonah et al, 2001). This interpretation is supported by the results which male drivers obtained when we tested their personality variables.…”

“…Accepting risks is a characteristic feature of sensation seeking (Jonah, 1986). Individuals with a strong need to seek sensations will be more likely to speed, not to wear a seatbelt, and drive under the influence (Beirness & Simpson, 1988;Jonah, 1997;Jonah et al, 2001;Peplińska et al, 2015). Nolan, Johnson, and Pincus (1994) aimed to establish a specific personality type that characterizes drunk drivers.…”