Correlations between types of near misses and daily driving behaviors/consciousness—Analysis of human errors for examining safety education measures—

Abstract

Correlations between types of near misses, daily driving behaviors, and consciousness in drivers when working or commuting were analyzed to examine reasons for the occurrence of human errors and measures for preventing traffic accidents. A questionnaire was administered, and data about types of near misses, daily driving behaviors, and driving consciousness were collected. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted, and daily driving behaviors that might become risk factors for near misses and the degree of risk were identified. Moreover, the results of exploratory factor analysis indicated the following factors related to near misses: unsafe driving, hesitation in judgment, and self-centeredness. Correlations between types of near misses and the frequency of their occurrence, as well as age, were examined using an analysis of variance for each factor. The results indicated that correlations were different depending on the types of near misses, and that the risk for traffic accidents increased through complex interactions among habitual inappropriate driving behaviors, environmental factors, individual differences, and age. It is considered important to recognize characteristics of individual drivers objectively when taking measures for preventing traffic accidents. Furthermore, it is suggested that safety education and guidance should be provided at organizational and individual levels.