Driving Behaviors, Risk Perceptions, and Stress

Abstract

In an effort to examine the driving behaviors of military personnel, this study surveyed 469 marines. These military personnel were stationed in California; more than half reported recently returning from deployment overseas. During base stand downs, the marines were given a survey that asked them to report on various previous driving behaviors, perceptions of aggressive or risky driving actions, and perceived stress. Participants who reported recent deployment to a fighting zone (Iraq) reported significantly higher scores on items such as being a risk taker, losing their temper while driving, and the right to retaliatory action against aggressive actions from other drivers. The results of this study indicate a need for further examination of the driving habits of military personnel as well as a closer exploration of risk-taking behaviors of personnel recently returned from combat zones.