Modeling the effects of internal and external locus of control on traffic behavior and accidents for Iranian Drivers

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between driver locus of control and risky behaviors, as well as traffic violations and accidents. Participants in this study were 289 male and 116 female drivers who completed a form including the newly developed Iranian Driver Traffic locus of Control Questionnaire (TLOC-IR), Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ), and items related to drivers’ driving records and demographics. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that most components of the locus of control, except for the sub-section of religious factors and other drivers, have a significant relationship with driving behavior. According to the results of this study, the internal locus of control has a negative relationship with various types of violations and driving errors, and on the other hand, the components of the external locus of control, including luck and destiny, have a positive relationship with more risky driving behavior and accidents. These findings indicate that locus of control is an effective variable in predicting the behavior of Iranian drivers and can be used to determine effective strategies to reduce high-risk driving. According to the results of this study, drivers with internal locus of control show safer behaviors than drivers with external locus of control; Therefore, strengthening the internal locus of control in drivers can lead to safer driving behaviors.