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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
08:39
Operant Sensation Seeking in the Mouse
Published on: November 10, 2010
Sensation seeking, risky driving and behavioral adaptation
B A Jonah1, R Thiessen, E Au-Yeung
1Transport Canada, Road Safety Directorate, Ottawa, Ont. jonahb@tc.gc.ca
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|August 9, 2001
Summary
High sensation seeking (SS) individuals engage in riskier driving behaviors, including speeding and impaired driving. They also exhibit more aggressive driving and adapt their behavior based on vehicle safety features.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Traffic Safety
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Sensation seeking (SS) is a personality trait linked to the pursuit of novel and intense experiences.
- Understanding the relationship between SS and driving behavior is crucial for developing effective road safety interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sensation seeking levels and various driving behaviors.
- To examine how sensation seeking influences risky and aggressive driving tendencies.
- To explore the impact of sensation seeking on behavioral adaptation in response to vehicle safety technologies.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted with college students.
- Participants reported on their driving behaviors and sensation seeking levels.
- Statistical analyses were used to compare driving habits between high and low sensation seekers.
Main Results:
- High sensation seekers were significantly more prone to speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and frequent drinking.
- Individuals with high SS were more likely to drive after drinking and underestimated detection risks for impaired driving.
- High SS individuals reported more aggressive driving and indicated a willingness to drive faster under adverse conditions or with advanced safety features like anti-lock brakes.
Conclusions:
- Sensation seeking is a significant predictor of risky and aggressive driving behaviors.
- High sensation seekers demonstrate a propensity for riskier choices, even when considering advanced safety features.
- Findings underscore the importance of targeting personality traits like sensation seeking in road safety campaigns.
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