Personality Traits and Risk Taking Practices among Heavy Transport Vehicle Drivers in India

Abstract

This study was carried out jointly by the Traffic Engineering and Safety Division of CSIR-CRRI and PCTI Education Society (Road Safety Division) to examine the personality correlates of risk taking practices of heavy motor drivers in the Indian city of Delhi, India. Methodology: 535 HTV male drivers with their past driving records were selected and were segregated according to their type of duties i.e. Long distance route drivers and Short Distance Route Drivers. Then Computerized Inventory of Driving related Personality Traits (IVPE) was administered uniformly to all the sample population. Findings: The study showed that young drivers had shown better performed in Emotional Stability scale, Honesty scale, Self Control, Adventurousness and need for excitement as compared to the older group of drivers. Moreover, Short Distance Route Drivers performed comparatively better than Long Distance Route Drivers. The study emphasizes urgent requirement of the screening of the driver’s personality traits and driving history before driving license renewal.

Keywords: Personality Traits, Emotional Stability, Honesty, Self Control, Adventurousness and need for excitement