Deviant Driving Behaviour: An Epidemiological Study

• NCJ Number: 210630
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 56-70
• Author(s): V. Khoza; P. J. Potgieter
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided HTML link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select “Table of Contents”; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; 5) click on the “full text” icon.

Annotation

This study explored the characteristics of deviant drivers and whether drivers who display aggressive or anxious driving behavior are more likely to commit traffic offenses.

Abstract

Deviant driving behavior has been recognized as one of the most serious threats to human survival in South Africa and is most likely the largest contributing factor to traffic offenses. The current study drew on self-report survey data of 722 individuals recruited through a combination of purposive sampling and convenience sampling to explore the characteristics of deviant drivers as well as the outcomes of their driving behavior. Questionnaires collected information about driver demographics and deviant driving behaviors. Results of ANOVA and chi-square analyses indicated that gender is the single best predictor of deviant driving, with significant gender differences in driving appearing in the categories of aggressive driving, anxious driving, documented offenses, and vehicle defects. Males scored highest on aggressive driving while females scored highest on anxious driving. Racial differences also appeared with respect to aggressive driving, traffic policing, documented offenses, and vehicle defects. In terms of occupational differences, professional drivers scored higher on both offensive and aggressive driving behavior than individuals in other occupations. Finally, unemployed drivers scored lowest on aggressive driving and highest on anxious driving. Recommendations are offered that include the development of a more probing driving test for all licensed drivers. Bibliography, appendix, tables, figure