The present study attempted to relate field dependence-independence (FDI) to accident involvement and perceived causes of accidents, as well as to trace these relationships to the sensation-seeking (ss) tendency of the field-dependent driver. In addition, the concomitant effects of internal/external loss of control (ie) were studied. Subjects (n=285) filled out a questionnaire assessing their level of FDI, ss, ie, number of accidents, as well as the attributed importance of various possible causes of their last accident. The obtained results show no relationship between FDI and ss and either the number of accidents or the importance attributed to the various causes of accidents. Significant relationships were however obtained between FDI and ss and seat belt use, and ss and speed on the highway.
Abstract