Highlights This study reflects an attempt to examine neuropsychological correlates of dangerous driving. This study used both correlation and experimental methods. The results have important implications for screening (identifying dangerous drivers) and for intervention, using low-cost methods (if replicated).
Abstract Background Various studies have implicated psychosocial variables (e.g., hostility) in risk of dangerous driving and traffic accidents. However, whether these variables are related to more basic neurobiological factors, and whether such associations have implications for the modification of psychosocial risk factors in the context of driving, have not been examined in depth. This study examined the relationship between hemispheric preference (HP), hostility and self-reported dangerous driving, and the ability to affect driving anger via hemisphere activating cognitive exercises (HACE). Methods In Study 1, 254 Turkish students completed questionnaires of hostility, HP and driving behavior. In Study 2, we conducted a “proof of concept” experimental study, and tested effects of left, right and neutral HACE on driving anger, by exposing N =650 Turkish students to written scenarios including either logical (left hemisphere), visuo-spatial (right hemisphere) or “mild doses” of both types of contents (control). Results In Study 1, left-HP was associated with higher hostility and with more dangerous driving, and hostility mediated the relationship between L-HP and reported driving behavior. In Study 2, only right-HACE led to immediate significant reductions in self-reported driving anger. Conclusions Left-HP is related to hostility and to dangerous driving, and it may be possible to partly reduce driving anger by right-HACE. Future studies must replicate these findings with objective measures, more enduring interventions and longer follow-ups.
Hostility, driving anger, and dangerous driving: The emerging role of hemispheric preference
Accident Analysis and Prevention ; 73 ; 236-241
2014-09-11
6 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Hostility, driving anger, and dangerous driving: The emerging role of hemispheric preference
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