Comportements, personnalité, conduite des véhicules automobiles

Abstract

This study was carried out on a population of 127 offending drivers of both sexes. A validation study was also performed on a sample of 51 offending drivers of both sexes. On the basis of a questionnaire that dealt with road related parameters (violations accidents, vehicle power) and use of the Guilford Zimmermann Temperament. Survey (with the Parenti driving questionnaire in the validation study), a variety of analyses were conducted which demonstrated essentially that offending drivers do not posses a specific psycholonical profile, (unlike motorcycle and HGV licence holders who do). However, it emerged that men and women have a different relationship with the car which is an object of narcissistic investment for men, contributing to their image and self-esteem and becoming a means or supporting and asserting their masculine identity) and that the intensification of male identity is associated with a variety of behaviours that increase the risk of both violations and accidents. Furthermore, while violations in themselves are not predictive of risk, perhaps revealing more about the nature of surveillance activities, frequent reoffending can lead to the assumption that the individuals are potentially dangerous drivers.