Risk behavior, sensation seeking and impulsivity: a study comparing drunk drivers with a sober drivers

Background Scientific evidences show that drivers who drink and drive tend to be more impulsive and high sensation seekers, as well as more susceptible to risky behaviors and traffic accidents. Aims To compare drivers who had DUI infractions in the previous year with drivers who did not in relation to their rates of impulsivity, sensation seeking (SS) and traffic risk behaviors. Methods The sample comprised 50 drivers with infractions (86% male) and 106 with no infraction (73.6% males) recruited in the Brazilian Traffic Department and three Driving Training Centers. Measures utilized were the Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), the Sensation Seeking Inventory of Arnett (AISS) and the Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ). We compared groups using chi-square with a 5% level of significance. Results The mean age for offenders was 39.2±12.6, compared to 42.29±12.9 of the nonoffenders. Offenders showed higher means in the violation scores of the DBQ (p<0.001). Lifetime involvement with accidents were more prevalent among offenders (p=0.001). A statistical difference was verified among the groups also in the impulsiveness and sensation seeking scores (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Discussion and conclusions Data suggest that offenders for DUI differ from non-offenders in relation to personality traits sensation seeking and impulsivity and they would tend to commit other traffic violations. Although preliminary, our results may help discuss measures for assessment, rehabilitation and traffic enforcement.