Personality traits that influence driving behavior and traffic accidents

Abstract

Background: Road accidents in Thailand result in significant loss of life and economic burden, with approximately 75% attributed to human factors such as physical, mental, and behavioral inadequacies. Existing evidence suggests that personality traits, shaped by neurobiological processes and early life experiences, play a critical role in influencing risky driving behaviors.

Objective: This study aims to explore the influence of various personality characteristics—particularly sensation/excitement seeking and antisocial tendencies—on driving behavior and the incidence of road accidents, while considering additional factors like age, gender, and physiological variables.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, synthesizing findings from multiple studies on psychological predictors of risky driving. The analysis focused on the association between personality traits, neurotransmitter enzyme levels (e.g., MAO), and driving performance, and evaluated the efficacy of screening instruments such as the ZKA-PQ in identifying high-risk individuals.

Results: The review revealed that drivers exhibiting high levels of sensation-seeking and aggressive traits are more prone to risky behaviors—such as speeding and poor decision-making—that lead to increased accident rates. Younger drivers, in particular, were found to be at higher risk due to overconfidence and inexperience, whereas older drivers tend to demonstrate more cautious driving behavior.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the complexity of human behavior in driving contexts and highlight the need for multifaceted interventions. Integrating personality screening with targeted education and policy measures may effectively reduce road accidents and mitigate their socioeconomic impact.