Road traffic injuries are the eighth leading cause of death in the world, across all age groups. Road accidents happen every day in Slovenia too, and the number is increasing every year. Psychology has a significant role in the context, especially in research and prevention of
human factors, which also includes different driving styles. Driving style is a psychological characteristic that encompasses individual's general way of driving. Different driving styles are associated with involvement in road accidents and traffic offences of a driver. The
Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI; Taubman-Ben-Ari et al., 2004) measures adapted and maladapted driving styles. The aim of this thesis was to translate and adapt the inventory to the Slovenian cultural environment. The sample consisted of 501 drivers, who completed the Slovenian version of the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that MDSI measures seven driving styles: dissociative, anxious, risky, angry, high velocity,
distress reduction, and careful and patient driving style. The instrument contains 43 original items. The first four factors have adequate reliability measures. However, the others do not. We also analysed the associations between driving styles and socio-demographic variables (gender, age) and driving-related variables. The results showed significant differences in driving styles according to gender and involvement in road accidents. The results also suggest significant associations between driving styles and the construct of driving anger. Different driving styles are also associated with sensation seeking. The results show that the MDSI measures both adaptive and maladaptive driving styles. The Slovenian version of the inventory represents a relatively valid tool that, with some modifications, can help us understand the complex construct of driving.
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