Investigating the Effect of Emotional Intelligence Components on Driving Errors

Driving accidents are global challenges, especially in developing countries, that have been introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the significant reasons for endangering human health. The most important reasons for driving accidents are the behavior and psychological characteristics of the vehicle driver. Aberrant driving behavior is considered as a major cause of driving accidents. The present study aimed the present study aimed to investigate the effect of emotional intelligence on driving errors.

In the present research, 69 young students aged 20-35 years with a driving license were subjects of the study which had at least one-year driving experience and were assessed with the use of Bar-on emotional intelligence (EQ-i) questionnaire (90 questions) and valid Manchester Driving Behavior Questionnaire (MDBQ). Data analysis was conducted by SPSS version 20, descriptive tables, and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Data analysis indicated that the mean score of emotional intelligence of the tested subjects was 329/62, and the maximum rating of individual errors was related to slips with the score of 21/04. Also, the mean score of their driving behavior was 50/97. There was a significant inverse relation between sub-components problem solving, independence and self-actualization, and driving errors.

Based on the obtained results of this study, it can be concluded that emotional intelligence and its components affected driving errors. This meant that persons with lower levels of emotional intelligence would be more involved in driving errors.