Sensation seeking and risky driving

Abstract

There is a considerable body of literature which examines the relationship between sensation seeking and risky driving. The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesise this literature and to discuss the implications of a possible biological basis of sensation seeking for the prospects of preventing road trauma. The review of the literature is organised into three sections which focus on drinking and driving, the most frequently studied risky driving behaviour, other risky behaviours such as non-use of seat belts and speeding, and the consequences of risky behaviour (i.e. collisions and citations for traffic violations). Given the limited space only 13 of the 38 reviewed studies are presented. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 896859.