Eveningness is associated with higher risk-taking in dangerous driving situations

ABSTRACT

Inclination toward eveningness is often associated with risky behavior. But the existing studies are scarce, inconsistent and usually limited to self-reported measures. We sought to investigate in young adults whether morningness-eveningness is associated with risky behavior in dangerous driving situations, with self-reported drunk driving and with alcohol consumption. Results show that, indeed, inclination toward eveningness is associated with these risky behaviors. We also demonstrate a link between morningness-eveningness and sensation seeking. Therefore, young adults with a tendency toward eveningness might be more at risk to face negative consequences of alcohol abuse or to be involved in a road accident.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol consumption
• drunk driving
• morningness-eveningness
• risky drivingbehavior
• sensation seeking

Declaration of interest

The present research was funded by the MAIF Foundation, France. The authors report no conflict of interest.