NCJ Number
115992
Journal
Alcohol, Drugs and Driving Volume: 4 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (July-December 1988) Pages: 233-244
Date Published
1988
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Data from 193 male drivers who had been involved in several accidents or traffic violations in Washington were used to derive and validate subtypes among high-risk drivers based on driving attitudinal, personality, and hostility measures.
Abstract
The participants completed questionnaires that gathered information about demographics, alcohol consumption, driving attitudes, and driving personality. Data analysis produced three subtypes that differed on several demographic and drinking measures. Two of these groups showed 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 theories 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. Discussion of implications for driving behaviors, assessment, and differential intervention strategies, data tables, and 39 references. (Author abstract modified)