A study by researchers at Newcastle University, which looked at 1,563 Australian drivers, found people are willing to take more risks behind the wheel if they aren't enjoying the ride.
They have also identified four distinct groups of road users.
The largest group is made up of 35 percent of the drivers, and they're described as "enthusiastic and attentive". They are less likely to crash, and find driving more challenging or interesting. However, when the level of stimulus is lower, they drive faster, albeit in a safer way because they are on emptier roads, the study says.
The second largest group, represented by 31 percent of drivers, are "inattentive and dangerous". They are mostly young drivers, although researchers found that women make up a large portion of the group. Obviously, these drivers are the most likely to have an accident and pose the most problems for road safety, as they appear to have a low-boredom threshold.
The third group, or 21 percent of all drivers, dislike driving and drive slower. They also drive the least. Finally, the remaining 13 percent are described as "safe and slow". Both groups are considered good drivers.
Commenting on the results, lead researcher Dr. Joan Harvey said that while it would be nice to train people to be better drivers, those who would benefit the most from it are the least likely to take part.
Source: Toronto Sun
They have also identified four distinct groups of road users.
The largest group is made up of 35 percent of the drivers, and they're described as "enthusiastic and attentive". They are less likely to crash, and find driving more challenging or interesting. However, when the level of stimulus is lower, they drive faster, albeit in a safer way because they are on emptier roads, the study says.
The second largest group, represented by 31 percent of drivers, are "inattentive and dangerous". They are mostly young drivers, although researchers found that women make up a large portion of the group. Obviously, these drivers are the most likely to have an accident and pose the most problems for road safety, as they appear to have a low-boredom threshold.
The third group, or 21 percent of all drivers, dislike driving and drive slower. They also drive the least. Finally, the remaining 13 percent are described as "safe and slow". Both groups are considered good drivers.
Commenting on the results, lead researcher Dr. Joan Harvey said that while it would be nice to train people to be better drivers, those who would benefit the most from it are the least likely to take part.
Source: Toronto Sun