A new addition to DBQ: Positive Driver Behaviours Scale

Abstract

Abstract The aims of the present study were to develop an instrument for measuring “positive” driver behaviours and to investigate the relationship between these behaviours, DBQ scales (violations and errors), aggression, traffic offences, and accidents. Participants were 306 Turkish drivers (194 male and 112 female) who completed a questionnaire including the newly developed Positive Driver Behaviour Scale, Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ), Driver Aggression Indicators Scale (DAIS), and items related to drivers’ driving records and demographics. Factor analysis resulted in a clear three-factor structure (violations, positive driver behaviours, and errors), high item loadings, and acceptable internal consistency coefficients. Negative binomial regression analyses showed that violations were related to the number of accidents and penalties. Multiple regression analyses indicated that violations were also associated with all other dependent variables except hostile aggression and revenge committed by the respondent, measured by the DAIS “self” scale. Errors were related to hostile aggression and revenge committed by the respondent and other drivers, measured by the DAIS “other drivers” scale, and aggressive warnings measured by the DAIS “Self” scale. Positive driver behaviours were negatively related to hostile aggression and revenge measured by the DAIS “Self” and “Other drivers” scales, but not to traffic offences or accidents.