As part of a joint study by LSE and Goodyear on the psychological aspects of road safety, several models of driver interaction with other road users were identified. These models are based on the methods by which drivers cope with their own feelings and the unpredictability of other road users' behavior.
Thus, through focus groups and detailed surveys of European drivers, researchers were able to identify 7 driver psychotypes: These psychotypes manifest in various situations when drivers interact with each other in traffic.
These psychotypes manifest in various situations when drivers interact with each other in traffic.
«Imagine you are driving comfortably in your car, and literally a second later you need to react to the maneuver of a driver who suddenly appeared from around the corner. Such situations make road traffic unpredictable. We may worry about the actions of other drivers, but their behavior also depends on what we do behind the wheel. We tend to engage in behavior that we ourselves do not like. From a psychological perspective, the traits of different driver psychotypes that manifest during driving give drivers the ability to cope with irritation and stress. Therefore, we behave differently. Depending on the situation and the nature of interaction with other drivers, we may demonstrate behavior characteristic of certain driver psychotypes», explains Dr. Chris Tennant, lead researcher of the project from LSE.
«Most of these behavioral patterns are a source of dangerous situations on the roads. Therefore, understanding the connections between behavior and the situations it causes is the first step towards ensuring road safety. In addition to traffic rules and laws that prohibit aggressive driving, continuous self-education and systematic training are the best ways to ensure road safety», emphasizes Olivier Rousseau, Vice President of Goodyear, Head of the Passenger Car Tires division in the EMEA region.
The 7 psychotypes were identified in the first part of the joint study, during which it was possible to study driver behavior in detail through focus groups and in-depth interviews. This study will help LSE and Goodyear find out how drivers influence each other's behavior while driving.
In the second part of the project, a pan-European study will be conducted involving drivers from 15 countries. The final results and analysis of this study are expected to be published in October.
