Individual differences in driver stress vulnerability in a Japanese sample

Abstract

Five-hundred and ten Japanese drivers completed a translation of the Driver Behaviour Inventory (DBI), a measure of individual differences in vulnerability to driver stress. Subjects also provided information on occupational status, life stress, sensation-seeking and accident and conviction history. Factor analysis of DBI responses indicated some differences between Japanese and British dimensions of driver stress, although there was considerable conceptual overlap between factors obtained. Relationships between the driver stress factors and demographic and life stress variables were broadly similar to those obtained in British data, although some cross-cultural differences were found. Several of the DBI factors predicted accident involvement and convictions for driving offences, with an aggressive driving dimension being the strongest predictor across criteria. As in British studies, the data suggest that it may be worthwhile for companies to screen drivers for excessive stress vulnerability, and to consider taking countermeasures.