PERSONALITY VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

EXPLANATIONS OF THE INFLUENCE OF PERSONALITY VARIABLES IN THE CAUSATION OF VEHICLE COLLISIONS HAVE EMPHASIZED A MORE ACTIVE ROLE (THE DRIVER USES THE VEHICLE AS A WEAPON) AND A MORE PASSIVE ROLE (THE DRIVER BLUNDERS). EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE SUPPORTS BOTH THESE VIEWS. AT OUR PRESENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE IT APPEARS MOST REASONABLE TO HOLD THAT THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN ACCIDENT LIABILITY, ATTRIBUTABLE IN PART TO PERSONALITY; SAFER DRIVERS ARE MORE CONFORMING, CONTROLLED PERSONS WHO MAY TEND TO AVOID EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS AS WELL AS TO AVOID THE HAZARDS THEMSELVES; AND VEHICLE COLLISIONS ARE BEST CONCEIVED AS NON-SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS OF EITHER A HIDDEN DESTRUCTIVE INTENT OR OF AN INCAPACITY FOR ADJUSTMENT TO HAZARDS. /HSL/

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Vol 1, No 1, PP 3-18, 46 REF
  • Authors:
    • Adams, J R
  • Publication Date: 1970-1

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00223358
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Highway Safety Literature
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 10 1970 12:00AM