Can personality characteristics predict the crash involvement of young drivers?

There is an increasing body of research investigating relationships between personality factors and crash involvement. This research estimates that personality factors account for about 10 to 20% of the variance in crashes. However, there are a number of limitations associated with this research. Most studies are cross-sectional or retrospective in design, are based on self-reported crashes or other self-reported driver behaviour and do not adequately consider driving exposure. The aim of this paper was to identify personality-related characteristics associated with crashes among young drivers using a prospective and retrospective design and official driver records. A total of 396 young drivers, aged 16 to 24 years, were administered a questionnaire measuring a wide variety of personality characteristics and driving-related factors to determine whether these variables could predict crash involvement. To determine whether personality characteristics could consistently predict crashes among young drivers, crash involvement prior to questionnaire administration and three years following were investigated separately. The results indicated that no personality factors consistently predicted crashes before and after questionnaire administration. The use of driving to reduce tension was associated with young driver crashes prior to questionnaire administration. However, this relationship disappeared when controlling for driving exposure and sex. Driving in a competitive way predicted crashes for the following three years. A greater understanding of any personality factors and attitudes that predict young driver crash involvement will assist in matching interventions to the individual needs of these drivers.