Abstract
Abstract Due to the mandatory assessment of psychological fitness to drive of prospective drivers, Brazil has a relatively large amount of traffic psychologists. Since, in general, assessment only happens upon first licensing, the task of these psychologists is fairly limited (as is the scope of the assessment itself). Intention and method: this study aims to perform a critical analysis of possibilities to expand the role of psychologists working in the traffic system in Brazil. A systematic review study of databases and international documents was conducted and a scope of activity of psychologists in this area was built. First result statistical data is scattered over many agencies. First conclusion in order to better identify specific tendencies and risk groups in Brazil, statistical data related to accident involvement needs to be better, perhaps centrally, coordinated and consolidated. Second result international research related to three subgroups of drivers that constitute a significantly increased safety risk can inform future directions for traffic psychology in Brazil. Psychological processes that may underlie these risk increases are discussed. Second conclusion two subgroups (young drivers and aggressive drivers) could benefit from more than assessment, they could benefit from specific psychological interventions. The third subgroup (elderly drivers) is expected to increase significantly in the future, which asks for clearer policies, with a significant input form psychologists and psychological research.
Highlights
In Brazil a psychological assessment is compulsory for everyone who applies for a driver’s license
As mentioned in the introduction, the present role of traffic psychologists in Brazil is mostly limited to providing a momentary snapshot of a particular aspect of the psychological state of the prospective driver
One of the goals of this article is to demonstrate that the role and importance of psychological assessments and interventions in Brazil can be greatly expanded in order to improve the overall standard of and fitness for driving, of prospective drivers, and of existing drivers
Summary
In Brazil a psychological assessment is compulsory for everyone who applies for a driver’s license. The assessments are outsourced to qualified third-party traffic psychologists. These psychologists have a great margin of freedom in selecting the areas they assess and the type of assessment instruments they use. No traffic psychologist assesses all areas or applies the full range of assessments. Many of them only apply one type of assessment – most commonly an intelligence test. In the majority of cases, the psychological assessment only happens upon the first application, as in most cases there is no requirement for a reassessment upon renewal of the license. The assessing psychologist bases his/her decision on whether the applicant is psychologically fit to drive on this snapshot
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