Inspecting and Identifying the Hazardousness Potential of Different Types of Drivers Based on Driving Behaviors, Accidents and Ticketing Rates

As car travel becomes more and more prevalent, it is vital that research is conducted in order to improve safety, and in particular, this research is focused on the effect of driver types. In this study, 1611 drivers were studied by way of questionnaires, and is aimed towards examining the properties of those drivers on the basis of demographic and personality criteria (age, gender, education and type-A personality), and the effect that they may have on safety indicators (driving behavior, accidents and ticketing rates). Based on the above criteria a 36-level scale of drivers was produced. Subsequently, in order to categorize 36 driver ‘states’ into significant and homogeneous groups, a Cluster analysis and statistical significant test (Mann-Whitney U) were conducted on their driving behavior, accident and ticketing rates. Finally, the results revealed that a 4-level index for driver safety is appropriate, and also that there is no significant difference among those levels on the basis of lapse and error behaviors. Moreover, the validation of the results was inspected by way of 158 random questionnaires, which were left over until the study end, which confirmed the obtained index. This index will be an important tool in order to assess drivers’ risk potentials so as to improve safety and management planning.