Although personality characteristics such as impulsiveness have been linked to the driving safety and driving habits of young and middle-aged adults, little research has focused on the role of personality in older driver behavior. Using the impulsiveness, venturesomeness, and empathy questionnaire in an exploratory study, these 3 personality dimensions were measured in 305 older drivers, aged 57-87 years old. In addition, the Driving Habits Questionnaire was used to estimate driving exposure, and the Driver Behavior Questionnaire was used to estimate driving errors and violations. State-recorded crash data was made available by the state public safety agency. Results show that subjects who reported 4 or more driving errors had higher impulsivity and empathy scores and lower venturesomeness scores. Subjects reporting driving violations were more likely to have high impulsivity scores. Driving 6 or more places/week was associated with lower levels of impulsivity. Results suggest that a comprehensive understanding of driving problems among older adults should also include a consideration of personality dimensions. In doing so, the challenges faced in interpretation of self-report instruments on driving behaviors must be acknowledged, with a move in research toward greater reliance on more objective measures of driving behavior when assessing the impact of personality variables.
Samenvatting