DERIVATION OF PERSONALITY SUBTYPES AMONG HIGH-RISK DRIVERS

This study investigates the empirical derivation and validation of subtypes among high-risk drivers based upon driving attitudinal, personality, and hostility measures. Three subtypes were derived and were found to differ on a number of demographic and drinking measures. Two of these groups evidenced high levels of risk-enhancing characteristics. One was characterized by impulsivity, sensation seeking, and aggressive acting-out behavior. This pattern is consistent with that predicted from problem-behavior and impulse-control deficit theories of risky driving behavior. The second group was characterized by high levels of dysphoria, emotional distress, resentment, and an external perception of control. This pattern is consistent with that predicted from personal maladjustment and coping-skills deficit theories of risky driving. Potential differenences in the function of high-risk driving for these two groups are discussed. The implications of the findings for assessment and differential intervention strategies for subtypes of high-risk drivers are discussed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Brain Information Service

  California University, Center for Health Science
  Los Angeles, CA  United States  90024
• Authors:
  • Donovan, D M
  • Umlauf, R L
  • Salzberg, P M
• Publication Date: 1988

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 233-244
• Serial:
  • ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND DRIVING
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue Number: 3-4

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggression; Attitudes; Behavior; Countermeasures; Drivers; Hazards; Problem drivers; Psychological aspects; Risk assessment
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00482564
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-040 681
• Files: HSL, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1990 12:00AM