Differentiating aggressive driving and risky driving by means of self-report measures and behaviours on a driving simulator

Two categories of dangerous behaviours are often confounded: aggressive driving and risky driving. The study's aim is to differentiate on-road aggressiveness from deliberate risky behaviours by identifying specific psychological traits, self-report driving habits and manoeuvres on a driving simulator. Participants were men aged 17 to 50 years old. They completed self-report questionnaires and tasks on a dynamic driving simulator. Aggressive driving is correlated with disposition for hostility and driving exposure. Risky driving is correlated with impulsivity, sensation seeking, positive attitudes towards infractions and driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. Maximum speed on the driving simulator is predicted by the risky driving construct. Reactivity (tailgating, overtaking attempts and running stop signs) in response to a time pressure (experimental condition) and speed change, in comparison with a control condition, are predicted by the aggressive driving construct. Results support a distinction between aggressive and risky drivers. Both constructs predict different onroad dangerous behaviours and are associated with distinct psychological profiles. Aggressive driving seems to underlie a tendency for hostility and on-road reactivity to interactions with other drivers. Risky driving seems to be associated with a general reckless lifestyle. Implications for intervention are discussed.

• Authors:
  • Richer, I
  • Theoret, G
  • Bergeron, J
• Conference:
  • Canadian Multidisciplinary Road Safety Conference, 17th, 2007, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Publication Date: 2007-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 14p
• Monograph Title: Canadian Multidisciplinary Road Safety Conference XVII, June 3-6, 2007, Montreal, Quebec

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggression; Behavior; Drivers; Driving simulators; Highway safety; Males; Psychology; Risk taking
• Uncontrolled Terms: Road safety (human factors)
• ATRI Terms: Aggressiveness; Driver behaviour; Driving simulator; Male; Psychology; Risk taking; Road safety
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01386961
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 22 2012 9:56PM