The Manchester driver behaviour questionnaire: self-reports of aberrant behaviour among Czech drivers

Purpose Considering the human contribution to car crashes, it seems necessary to make a distinction between different forms of aberrant driver behaviour and its different psychological origins. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors that affect driving behaviour, to prepare a factor model, to identify the role of age, gender, kilometres driven per year, and social status, and to examine the relationship between self-reported driver behaviour in DBQ and self-reported accident involvement and offences among Czech drivers. Methods For this purpose the original 50-item version of DBQ was translated and adjusted to the Czech driver population. A total of 2,684 Czech drivers participated in the study, 1,791 men and 893 women. Responses to the 50 items were submitted to a principal components analysis with a varimax rotation. Results Our research confirmed a three-factor approach as the most appropriate for the interpretation of data. In our case, the three-factor solution can provide an explanation for 31.75 % of the total variance. Conclusions While Factor 1, “Dangerous Violations”, and Factor 2, “Dangerous Errors”, are consistent with the findings of other authors, Factor 3, interpreted as “Not Paying Attention to Driving, Straying, and Loss of Orientation”, has been identified as a new one. In addition, predictors of (driver behaviour) factors defining the driver groups prone to engaging in specific types of driving behaviour are further discussed. Practical implications for the education, training, and assessment of drivers, preventive measures, and on-board assistance systems are addressed.