Just can't put the brakes on aggressive driving: Narcissism, impulsivity, and driver aggression

Aggressive driving is a dangerous and seemingly growing phenomenon that has been the subject of much public concern, media attention and academic research. The present study was designed to expand the previous research on the prediction of unsafe driving behaviours. Specifically, this study examined the potential contribution of narcissism, driving anger, impulsivity, sensation seeking, risk-taking, conscientiousness, and neuroticism to various types of unsafe driving practices. Although previous research has found support for the predictive role of many of these factors in aggressive driving, these variables have generally been studied in relative isolation. This study sought to investigate the utility of combining these variables and of assessing their respective roles in the prediction of unsafe driving behaviours. In addition, this study sought to further examine the specific role of narcissism in aggressive driving and more specifically, to examine the potential mediating role impulsivity may have in this association. It was predicted that the link between narcissism and aggressive driving would be mediated by impulsivity. One hundred and eighteen participants completed measures of driving anger, narcissism, impulsivity, sensation seeking, risk taking, unsafe driving behaviours, conscientiousness and neuroticism. Regression analyses were conducted and driving anger emerged as the strongest predictor of all types of unsafe driving behaviours. Narcissism and impulsivity emerged as predictors but only in one particular type of unsafe driving behaviour. Results support the use of different predictors in understanding the distinctive roles these may play in various types of unsafe driving practices and in further recognizing the diverse and multifaceted profile of the aggressive driver.