Personality Factors in Highway Accidents

In: Human factors: the journal of the Human Factors Society, Volume 18, Issue 5, p. 433-441

Abstract

This article describes those personality factors associated with highway accidents. In general, the accident-haver is described as being emotionally less mature, less responsible, more asocial/anti-social, and not as well adjusted. He also tends to have a more disturbed history, such as an unhappy childhood, delinquency, family disruption, and uneven work record. A variety of specific behaviors is listed under these general terms. Many characteristics of the accident-haver are age related, and among "normal" people tend to be modified as one matures. The role of external stress and the concept of accident proneness are also discussed.