Driving style represents a relatively stable way of how somebody usually drives. It includes a speed choice, level of alertness and assertiveness and is influenced by beliefs and attitudes about driving and by more general beliefs. Driving styles can be a key factor in the explanation of traffic accidents or a mediator between sociodemographic and personality variables on traffic accident occurrences. The main purpose of this paper was to determine the relation of sociodemographic characteristics with driving styles and traffic violation and accidents. The research included 302 car drivers from Croatia, with a valid driving license (B category). The results showed that men were more frequently included in committing traffic violations and accidents than women. Women preferred secure and patient, anxious and dissociative driving styles, while men preferred more risky and angry driving styles than women. Drivers who had more than one traffic violation preferred risky driving style more often than those without a traffic violation history. In conclusion, the driving style questionnaire adequately discriminated drivers who had a higher risk for traffic violation. Despite the fact that one’s driving style is relatively stable, with education it can be changed, which can be reflected in risk reduction for accidents and improving traffic safety.

driving style, traffic violation and accidents, gender, age