Multidimensional Traffic Locus of Control Scale (T-LOC): factor structure and relationship to risky driving

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop a multidimensional instrument for measuring driver locus of control and to investigate the relationship between driver locus of control, risky driving and negative outcomes. Participants were young male ( N=216) and female ( N=132) drivers who completed a form including the newly developed Multidimensional Traffic Locus of Control Scale (T-LOC), Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ), and items related to drivers’ driving records and demographics. Factor analysis resulted in construction of four T-LOC scales: “Other Drivers” (i.e. causes of accidents attributed to other drivers), “Self” (i.e. causes of accidents attributed to oneself), “Vehicle and Environment” (i.e. causes of accidents attributed to external factors), and “Fate” (i.e. causes of accidents attributed to fate or bad luck). Multiple regression analyses showed that internal locus of control orientation (Self) predicted the self-reported number of total accidents, active accidents, offences, aggressive and ordinary violations, and errors. “Vehicle and Environment” scores had a positive relationship to the number of offences and DBQ error score whereas “Other Drivers” had a negative relationship to errors. However, “Fate” score was not related to any of the dependent variables.