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Dzinyela R, Kofi Adanu E, Gupta H, Koirala P, Alnawmasi N, Das S, Lord D. Analyzing fatal crash patterns of recidivist drivers across genders and age Groups: A hazard-based duration approach. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2024; 206:107713. [PMID: 39053101 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2024.107713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Identifying factors that significantly affect drivers that are repeatedly involved in traffic violations or non-fatal crashes (defined here as recidivist drivers) is very important in highway safety studies. This study sought to understand the relationship between a set of variables related to previous driving violations and the duration between a previous non-fatal crash and a subsequent fatal crash, taking into account the age and gender of the driver. By identifying the characteristics of this unique driver population and the factors that influence the duration between their crash events strategies can be put in place to prevent the occurrence of future and potentially fatal crashes. To do this, a five-year (2015-2019) historical fatal crash data from the United States was used for this study. Out of 15,956 fatal crashes involving recidivist drivers obtained, preliminary analysis revealed an overrepresentation of males (about 75%). It was also found that the average duration between the two crash events was about a year and a half, with only an average of one month difference between male and female drivers. Using hazard-based duration models, factors such as number of previous crashes, previous traffic violations, primary contributing factors and some driver demographic characteristics were found to significantly be associated with the duration between the two crash events. The duration between the two events increased with driver's age for drivers who were involved in only one previous crash and the duration was shorter for those that were previously involved in multiple crashes. Previous DUI violations, license suspensions, and previous speeding violations were found to be associated with shorter durations, at varying degrees depending on the driver's age and gender. The duration was also observed to be longer if the fatal crash involved alcohol or drug use among younger drivers but shorter among middle-aged male drivers. These findings reveal interesting dynamics that may be linked to recidivist tendencies among some drivers involved in fatal crashes. The factors identified from this study could help identify crash countermeasures and programs that will help to reform such driver behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Dzinyela
- Zachary Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3136, USA.
| | - Emmanuel Kofi Adanu
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
| | - Hardik Gupta
- Zachary Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3136, USA.
| | - Pranik Koirala
- Zachary Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3136, USA.
| | - Nawaf Alnawmasi
- Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Hail, 55474, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Subasish Das
- Civil Engineering Program, Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| | - Dominique Lord
- Zachary Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3136, USA.
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Reassessing Fitness-to-Drive in Drinker Drivers: The Role of Cognition and Personality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312828. [PMID: 34886553 PMCID: PMC8657624 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Drunken driving is among the main challenges for road safety by causing worldwide motor-vehicle crashes with severe injuries and deaths. The reassessment of fitness-to-drive in drivers stopped for drunken driving includes mainly psychological examinations. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and the consistency of selected variables of different psychological driving-related dimensions (i.e., cognitive skills and personality) in discriminating 90 male drinker drivers (DD) from matched non-drinkers controls. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Mental Rotation Test (MRT), and the Perspective-Taking Test (PT) were administered to assess overall cognitive functioning, and object- and self-based spatial transformation abilities, respectively. Participants completed a computerized test measuring resilience of attention (DT), reaction times (RT), and perceptual speed (ATAVT). The Personality Psychopathology Five scales (i.e., PSY-5: Aggressiveness-AGGR, Psychoticism-PSYC, Disconstraint-DISC, Negative-Emotionality-NEGE, and Introversion-INTR) the validity scale (L) and the dissimulation index (F-K) were scored from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). A logistic binomial regression analysis (backward subtraction method) was used to identify discriminant predictors. A prediction analysis (ROC curve method) was performed on the final model. Results showed that the scores obtained in MRT, DT, and the personality measures of PSYC, DISC, NEGE, and INTR significantly discriminated DD from their matched controls with moderate-to-good values of accuracy (0.79), sensitivity (0.80), and specificity (0.79), as well as a good AUC value (0.89). In some cases, the personality dimensions provided—reliable—unexpected results. Low scores of PSYC, NEGE, and INTR were found to predict the membership to the DD group; results are discussed with reference to response management. Personality measures should be assessed with particular attention in a forensic context because they are more prone to be feigned than cognitive ones. Overall, the present study confirmed the relevance of integrating different driving-related psychological dimensions in the evaluation of fitness-to-drive showing the usefulness of standardized tools for the reassessment of drinker drivers.
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Mekonnen TH, Tesfaye YA, Moges HG, Gebremedin RB. Factors associated with risky driving behaviors for road traffic crashes among professional car drivers in Bahirdar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2016: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health Prev Med 2019; 24:17. [PMID: 30851730 PMCID: PMC6408773 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-019-0772-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Road traffic injury is one of the persistent public health challenges in most regions of the world, representing substantial human and economic losses. Annually, about 1.25 million lives are lost, whereas 50 million suffer from road traffic injuries globally. It has been shown that over 60% of the reasons for traffic injuries are a risky driving behavior (RDB). Despite the problem's pervasiveness, there is a paucity of information about level and factors influencing RDB among professional car drivers in Bahirdar city, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2016. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 376 participants. A self-administered driver behavior questionnaire (DBQ) was used for data collection. We performed a binary logistic regression analysis to investigate the associations of variables. Potential confounders were controlled using a multivariable logistic regression model. We ascertained the significance at < 0.05 p value and evaluated strength of associations using crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS A total of 361 drivers participated (response rate, 96%). The mean age was 34 (standard deviations ± 7.97) years. The majority, 98.9% (N = 357), were males. The level of risky driving behavior and road traffic crashes were 79.4% (95% CI 75.92, 83.97) and 16.3% (95% CI 15.91, 24.84), respectively. Average monthly salary [AOR 2.04; 95% CI (1.23, 2.74)], driving experience [AOR 2.72; 95% CI (1.07, 6.89)], distance driven per year [AOR 2.06; 95% CI (1.13, 4.10)], and previous history of involvement in traffic crashes [AOR 2.30; 95% CI (1.15, 7.35)] were significantly associated with risky driving behavior. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that risky driving behavior is common among professional car drivers in the study setting. Therefore, it is strongly advisable for policy makers and other stake holders to devise strategies that consider working conditions, like monthly salary and driving experiences. The study also suggests that it is often advisable to reduce the distance driven per year and learn from implications of previous history of involvement in traffic crashes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye Hambisa Mekonnen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Haimanot Gebrehiwot Moges
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Resom Berhe Gebremedin
- Department of Health promotion and education, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Volpe FM, Ladeira RM, Fantoni R. Evaluating the Brazilian zero tolerance drinking and driving law: Time series analyses of traffic-related mortality in three major cities. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2017; 18:337-343. [PMID: 27588457 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2016.1214869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A zero tolerance alcohol restriction law was adopted in Brazil in 2008. In order to assess the effectiveness of this intervention, the present study compares specific mortality in 2 time series: 1980-2007 and 2008-2013. METHODS Data on mortality and population were gathered from official Brazilian Ministry of Health information systems. Segmented regression analyses were carried out separately for 3 major Brazilian capitals: Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. RESULTS In 2 cities (Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro) there were no significant changes in mortality rate trends in 2 periods, 1980 to 2007 and 2008 to 2013, where the observed rates did not differ significantly from predicted rates. In São Paulo, a decreasing trend until 2007 unexpectedly assumed higher levels after implementation of the law. CONCLUSION There is no evidence of reduced traffic-related mortality in the 3 major Brazilian capitals 5.5 years after the zero tolerance drinking and driving law was adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Madalena Volpe
- a Hospital Foundation of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
- b Health Promotion & Violence Prevention Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | | | - Rosely Fantoni
- b Health Promotion & Violence Prevention Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
- c Road and Traffic Department of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
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Heydari ST, Vossoughi M, Akbarzadeh A, Lankarani KB, Sarikhani Y, Javanmardi K, Akbary A, Akbari M, Mahmoodi M, Shirazi MK, Tabrizi R. Prevalence and risk factors of alcohol and substance abuse among motorcycle drivers in Fars province, Iran. Chin J Traumatol 2016; 19:79-84. [PMID: 27140214 PMCID: PMC4897829 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this present study is to investigate the prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse (ASA) and its relationship with other risky driving behaviors among motorcycle drivers. METHODS This is a cross sectional study which is performed at Shiraz city of Iran. Data from motorcycle drivers were collected using a standard questionnaire in eight major streets at different times of the day. The data includes consumption of alcohol and other substances two hours before driving and some of the risky behaviors during driving. RESULTS A total of 414 drivers with a mean ± SD age of (27.0 ± 9.3) years participated in the study. Alcohol or substance consumptions two hours before driving was significantly associated with risky driving behaviors such as using mobile phone during driving, poor maneuvering, and driving over the speed limit (both p < 0.001). It was also associated with carelessness about safety such as driving with technical defects (p < 0.001) and not wearing a crash helmet (p=0.008). CONCLUSION Screening for alcohol and substance consumption among motorcycle drivers is an efficient way to identify drivers that are at a greater risk for road traffic accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Taghi Heydari
- Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Vossoughi
- Department of Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Armin Akbarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamran B. Lankarani
- Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Yaser Sarikhani
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Kazem Javanmardi
- Fars Province Police Headquarter Applied Research & Studies Office, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Akbary
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Maryam Akbari
- Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +98 711 2309615.
| | - Mojtaba Mahmoodi
- Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Reza Tabrizi
- Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Ulinski SL, Moysés ST, Werneck RI, Moysés SJ. High-risk behaviors and experiences with traffic law among night drivers in Curitiba, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PSIQUIATRIA (SAO PAULO, BRAZIL : 1999) 2016; 38:106-12. [PMID: 26785106 PMCID: PMC7111370 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2014-1574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore high-risk behaviors and experiences with traffic law among night drivers in Curitiba, Brazil. METHOD Data from 398 drivers on sociodemographic parameters, high-risk behaviors, experiences with traffic law, and traffic law violations were collected through interviews conducted at sobriety checkpoints. Exploratory-descriptive and analytical statistics were used. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 32.6±11.2 years (range, 18 to 75 years). Half of the drivers reported having driven after drinking in the last year, predominantly single men aged 18 to 29 years who drive cars and drink alcohol frequently. Only 55% of the drivers who had driven after drinking in the last year self-reported some concern about being detected in a police operation. CONCLUSIONS A significant association was found between sociodemographic variables and behavior, which can help tailor public interventions to a specific group of drivers: young men who exhibit high-risk behaviors in traffic, such as driving after drinking alcohol, some of whom report heavy alcohol consumption. This group represents a challenge for educational and enforcement interventions, particularly because they admit to violating current laws and have a low perception of punishment due to the low risk of being detected by the police.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L. Ulinski
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Simone T. Moysés
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Renata I. Werneck
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Samuel J. Moysés
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Aguilera SLVU, Sripad P, Lunnen JC, Moyses ST, Chandran A, Moysés SJ. Alcohol consumption among drivers in Curitiba, Brazil. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2014; 16:219-224. [PMID: 24983644 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2014.935939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The combination of drinking and driving is globally understood as a risk factor for road traffic crashes and disastrous outcomes such as injury and disability or death. However, the magnitude of the problem may not always be known in many countries, particularly where there are legislative loopholes. In Brazil, until December 2012, verification by breathalyzer of drinking and driving was dependent on drivers' acceptance of the tests after being stopped by the police. OBJECTIVE To describe the epidemiological profile of drinking and driving behaviors of a sample of drivers from Curitiba, Brazil, and explore the sociodemographic characteristics of those interviewed at police sobriety checkpoints. METHODS Drivers were selected and interviewed at police checkpoints on public roads in Curitiba. The local police, after informed consent, applied breathalyzer tests to check the drivers' blood alcohol content and the results were compared with data previously collected through interviews containing self-reports of drinking and driving. Data were collected between March and November 2012. RESULTS Of the 511 drivers asked to participate in the study, 398 (77.9%) agreed to give a roadside interview. Most respondents were single men between the ages of 18 and 29 years, with 8.3% of interviewed drivers self-reporting alcohol consumption in the last 6 h before driving. On the other hand, only 46.2% of the whole sample accepted the breathalyzer testing. Among those breathalyzed by the police, 2.7% tested positive for alcohol. DISCUSSION This study, conducted on public roads in Curitiba, shows a noticeable proportion of drivers voluntarily self-reporting drinking and driving. However, a smaller percentage was confirmed to have positive blood alcohol content, likely due to the high breathalyzer refusal rate.
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