a relatively stable set of psychological, cognitive and behavioral traits that determine the driving style and the driver’s interaction with the road situation. Driver personality is one of the most important psychological factors affecting road safety, as it explains differences in drivers’ reactions to difficult situations, compliance with traffic rules, level of attention and propensity for risk or aggression.
Key characteristics of the driver’s personality:
1) Emotional traits: These include the ability to control anger, manage stress, and anxiety while driving. A calm and level-headed driver tends to follow the rules and minimize risks, while a nervous or easily irritated driver may exhibit aggressive or reckless behavior.
2) Cognitive traits: These include attention, spatio-temporal orientation, information processing speed, and the ability to make informed decisions in a stressful traffic situation.
3) Social traits: Such as respect for other road users, ability to cooperate, and assessment of the risks that pedestrians or other drivers may be exposed to.
4) Behavioral tendencies: These include risk-taking, aggressiveness, thrill-seeking, or strict adherence to traffic rules.
Driver personality types:
1) Defensive driver: Cautious, level-headed, follows rules, strives to minimize risks, and relies on anticipating potential traffic situations.
2) Aggressive driver: Hot-tempered, impulsive, prone to overtaking and risky maneuvers to achieve personal goals, may neglect the safety of the group.
3) Indecisive driver: Often feels anxious and fearful, slows down decision-making, which can hinder movement or lead to unintentional mistakes.
4) Impulsive Driver: Seeks thrills and challenges, may overspeed or take risky maneuvers despite being aware of the potential risks.