International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics – rok 2007, ročník 13

Objective. We examined the personality correlates of accident-proneness of autorickshaw drivers in the Indian city of Ranchi. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study in which 50 male drivers aged 18–50 years, selected randomly from a list of licensed autorickshaw drivers in Ranchi, were assessed with a Hindi version of Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors (16-PF) Questionnaire. Results. There was a significantly higher frequency of breaking rules, crossing speed limits, substance use and a trend towards a higher frequency of carrying extra persons (i.e., more than recommended) in accident-prone drivers. There was significant negative correlation of accident-proneness with 16-PF factors such as reasoning, rule consciousness, apprehension and emotional stability. Conclusion. Personality characteristics with lower scores of reasoning, rule consciousness, apprehension and emotional stability are common in commercial autorickshaw drivers with high accident-proneness.