Personality subtypes of young moped drivers, their relationship to risk-taking behavior and involvement in road crashes in an Austrian sample

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify subtypes of young moped drivers and analyze how these subtypes are involved in risk preferences and road crashes.DesignA group of Austrian teenage moped drivers (213, 28% girls) completed an online questionnaire about moped usage, injuries, driving style, inattention, impulsivity, and personality according to the Five-Factor Model of Personality and Cloninger's model of personality.ResultsA cluster analysis yielded four types of moped drivers. One type was characterized by a high level of neuroticism, the second type was characterized by a risky personality and a risky driving style, the third type had a more cautious driving style, and the fourth type was characterized by a risky personality and high levels on inattention and impulsivity.ConclusionsOur conclusions suggest that young moped drivers should not be perceived as a homogenous group, according to measures of injury prevention and intervention.

► We identified subtypes of teenage moped drivers according to
► personality factors.
► One subgroup was at high risk for injuries while driving a moped. This type was characterized by a risky personality and high levels of inattention and impulsivity.
► Additionally, we found that moped drivers whose parents have a low education level had a greater risk of severe injuries.
► Measures of traffic safety should be differentiated and individualized.