Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
07:25
Driving Under the Influence: How Music Listening Affects Driving Behaviors
Published on: March 27, 2019
Examining relationships between anxiety and dangerous driving
Chris S Dula1, Cristi L Adams, Michael T Miesner
1Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-1702, United States. dulac@etsu.edu
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|August 24, 2010
Summary
High general anxiety is linked to dangerous driving behaviors, including more crashes and driving under the influence (DUI) episodes. This highlights the need for interventions for anxious drivers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Traffic Safety
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Driving anxiety post-crash is well-researched, but general anxiety's impact on driving is less understood.
- Existing literature has not extensively explored the relationship between non-trauma-related anxiety and driving behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between general anxiety levels and dangerous driving behaviors.
- To determine if anxiety independently predicts risky driving, controlling for sex differences.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 1121 participants was conducted.
- Data collected included general anxiety levels and self-reported dangerous driving behaviors.
- Statistical analyses were used to examine relationships between anxiety and driving variables.
Main Results:
- Higher general anxiety correlated with a wider range of dangerous driving behaviors.
- Anxiety levels were independently associated with increased dangerous driving, irrespective of sex.
- The high anxiety group reported significantly more crashes and driving under the influence (DUI) episodes compared to lower anxiety groups.
Conclusions:
- General anxiety is a significant factor associated with dangerous driving.
- There is a critical need for further research into anxiety and its effects on driving safety.
- Interventions targeting highly anxious drivers may be beneficial for improving road safety.
Related Concept Videos
03:34Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships.
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:28Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
Attachment theory, developed initially to explain infant–caregiver bonds, has been extended to illuminate patterns of intimacy in adult romantic relationships. Psychologists Cindy Hazan and Phillip Shaver proposed that the attachment styles observed in infancy form a framework for how individuals approach emotional closeness and conflict in adulthood. These attachment styles—secure, avoidant, and anxious—are linked to enduring patterns of behavior and emotional regulation in adult relationships.
01:42Schemas
A schema is a mental construct consisting of a cluster or collection of related concepts (Bartlett, 1932). There are many different types of schemata, and they all have one thing in common: schemata are a method of organizing information that allows the brain to work more efficiently. When a schema is activated, the brain makes immediate assumptions about the person or object being observed.
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.