Redefining positive driver behaviors: Development of the Multidimensional Positive Driver Behavior Questionnaire (M - PDBQ) and examining it in relation to driving and safety outcomes

Abstract

Research on positive driver behaviors has been relatively scarce compared to studies on risky driving behaviors. While previous literature has often narrowly defined positive driver behaviors as politeness and prosocial behaviors, this study argues for a broader scope, including safety and eco-friendly tendencies. To explore this expanded scope and its connection to driving and safety, both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. Study 1 aimed to investigate the multidimensional nature of positive driver behaviors. To achieve this, sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted to develop the Multidimensional Positive Driver Behavior Questionnaire (M - PDBQ). In the subsequent study, the psychometric properties of the M - PDBQ and its relationship with driving-related variables (e.g., risky driver behaviors and aggressive driving), and road safety outcomes (e.g., traffic tickets, accidents) were examined with 628 drivers. Exploratory Factor Analysis identified three key dimensions: smooth and proactive mobility, environmentally sustainable behaviors, and risk communication, highlighting the multidimensional nature of positive driver behaviors. Hierarchical regression analyses suggested that positive driver behaviors have the potential to enhance road safety by mitigating risky and aggressive driving behaviors such as violations and anger expression. This research advances the understanding of positive driver behaviors by providing a comprehensive conceptualization, developing a new questionnaire to measure it, and investigating its relationship with driving and road safety.