Open AccessThe predictive value of psychological variables in drivers in forecasting accidents in road traffic
Author(s) -
Krzysztof Horoszkiewicz
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
autobusy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2450-7725
pISSN - 1509-5878
DOI - 10.24136/atest.2019.004
Subject(s) - psychology , raven's progressive matrices , test (biology) , applied psychology , empirical research , predictive value , social psychology , statistics , medicine , cognition , mathematics , psychiatry , paleontology , biology
The main objective of the study is to determine which variables comprise the psychological portrait of the perpetrators of road accidents, and on what basis the tendency to be involved in these accidents is most accurately predictable. The article is based on empirical studies conducted on 100 men (preliminary and periodic studies in the field of transport psychology and occupational medicine). The age of the surveyed drivers ranged from 19 to 70 years (average age 40). The tests included: Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, EPQR, Device Piórkowski Type, and a Computerized Test Battery System – Polipsychograph. In comparison to „safe” drivers, participants of a road traffic collision were more extrovert and conscientious, less inclined to lie, showed greater motor speed (with increased impulsiveness) and higher level of general intelligence. They were characterized by better coordination. The results show that there are positive psychophysical features prevalent with drivers participating in road accidents, which suggests that as intermediary variables they have an influence on the level of self-esteem that is „responsible” for the propensity to risky behavior with its consequences.