The impact of four-wheel drive on risky driver behaviours and road traffic accidents

The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of four-wheel drive on risky driver behaviours and road traffic accidents in the State of Qatar. A thousand and five hundred drivers were approached and a thousand and one hundred and ten of these drivers (263 female and 847 male) agreed to participate the study. Participants completed a questionnaire including Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ), items related to socio-demographic information, driving experience, adherence to traffic laws (including speed limits and wearing seat belt), and drivers’ driving records. The results showed that four-wheel drivers committed more violations, errors, and lapses than small car users. Lapses were associated with accident involvement among four-wheel drivers whereas both errors and aggression-speeding were related to accident involvement among small car users. Four-wheel drivers also reported lower seat belt usage and higher speeding as compared to small car users. The present study revealed that four-wheel drivers were involved in nearly 40.3% of the road traffic accidents.