Emotional intelligence abilities and their relationship with risky driving behavior

Abstract

Risky driving behaviors constitute one of the main causes of fatal road accidents. Previous literature has clearly shown the role that emotions play in explaining risk-taking. In the present study, we proposed that a better recognition, use, and manage of our emotions, i.e., a better emotional intelligence, can be related to a lower tendency to engage in risky behaviors while driving. A Spanish community sample of 555 participants with a driving license were enrolled in the study (Mage = 39.34 years old; 49.19% were women). Participants were assessed on risky driving behavior and self-reported ability EI using the Dula Dangerous Driving Index and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, respectively. The variables of gender, age, and driving experience were controlled. A multiple regression analysis revealed that higher levels of self-reported EI abilities were related to a lower engagement in risky driving behavior, being the ability to regulate emotions the most relevant. In addition, a simple mediation analyses revealed that a better self-reported EI was associated with fewer number of road accidents through the indirect effect of risky driving behaviors. The findings of the present study suggest the involvement of emotional factors and abilities in the explanation of risk-taking in driving. In this regard, training programs designed to improve emotional abilities could be a useful strategy in road safety; however, further experimental studies are still needed to confirm the causal role of EI on risky driving.