• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.305-320
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• 2011

The objectives of the present research are twofold. First, this research aims to compare the effect of trait characteristics(sensation seeking, social resistance and type-A behavior) with that of driving specific characteristics(driving anger and type-A driving) on problematic driving behavior. Second, the role of life stress as a mediator in the relationships between general trait characteristics and traffic safety index was examined. 1158 licensed commercial vehicle drivers were surveyed and their accident-related records were obtained in this research. Results showed that driving specific characteristics were significant indicators of traffic safety and life stress mediated the relationships between general trait characteristics and traffic safety index. These findings implicate that understanding drivers' driving specific characteristics and their levels of life stress is important to reduce problematic driving behaviors and enhance traffic safety.