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Driver's mind, safe route: Editorial
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Arsia Taghva *    |
| Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , drarsiataghva@irimed.org |
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| Keywords: - |
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Full-Text [PDF 1265 kb]
(15 Downloads)
| Abstract (HTML) (47 Views)
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Type of Study: Editorial |
Subject:
Disaster Medicine
Published: 2025/04/5
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Extended Abstract: (14 Views) |
Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. In recent years, the traffic accident crisis has emerged as one of the most pressing social and public health challenges in our country. Every day, news headlines report dozens of fellow citizens killed or injured on the roads, casting a shadow of grief and concern over families and society alike. Alarmingly, between 20% and 45% of survivors of severe accidents experience post-traumatic stress disorder, which often leads to either avoidance of driving or risky compensatory behaviors [1]. Research consistently points to human factors as the primary contributors to traffic accidents [2]. These include speeding, driving under the influence, distractions, failure to maintain lanes, and using mobile phones while driving. While these statistics are troubling, they also serve as a powerful call to action. Though poor vehicle maintenance and inadequate infrastructure undeniably worsen the situation, a closer examination reveals that drivers' behavioral and psychological factors play a pivotal—yet often overlooked—role in this crisis.
Driving is far more than a technical skill; it reflects a person’s mental health and cognitive readiness. Alongside environmental, technical, and social influences, psychological factors are critical, albeit hidden, components that contribute to risky driving behaviors. Studies show that stress, anxiety, depression, aggression, emotional instability, and attention deficits significantly increase the likelihood of accidents. Drivers who are fatigued, under severe stress, or suffering from mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are less able to respond quickly and appropriately in critical moments. Iranian studies indicate that anxious and stressed drivers exhibit slower reaction times and more abrupt behaviors. Moreover, stress from traffic congestion and hazardous driving conditions impairs information processing and compromises safe decision-making [3].
Depression, too, reduces motivation and adherence to traffic rules. Research in Iran has found that depression and mental fatigue raise risky driving behaviors by 45% [4]. Similarly, studies in the United States have shown that older adults suffering from depression are more prone to unsafe driving practices [5]. One of the most neglected issues is the impact of sleep disorders on driving safety. Conditions such as narcolepsy, which cause sudden and uncontrollable drowsiness, pose grave risks on the road but often go undiagnosed. These situations could lead to irreparable disasters [6]
Unfortunately, in our country, rigorous psychological and medical evaluations are not routinely conducted before issuing or renewing driver’s licenses. As a result, individuals with such conditions may drive without awareness of their danger to themselves and others—this gap in healthcare oversight is a hidden yet critical factor contributing to daily fatalities and injuries.
Driver behavior itself is also shaped by the escalation of this crisis. Weaknesses in behavioral training and a lack of emphasis on cultivating a safety culture have led many drivers to disregard traffic laws. Speeding, failing to maintain safe distances, using mobile phones while driving, and enduring long drives without rest are common and highly dangerous practices. Many drivers perceive traffic laws as optional—perhaps because enforcement is weak and fines insufficiently deterrent. This environment of lax enforcement and minimal personal accountability fosters risky behaviors.
The road safety crisis starkly reminds us that technical fixes alone are insufficient. Truly effective and lasting solutions require us to address the root: the psychology and behavior of drivers. Integrating psychological education and stress and anger management skills into driver training programs is essential. Furthermore, implementing regular psychological and medical assessments—especially for professional drivers—would ensure ongoing mental fitness for driving throughout their careers.
Raising public awareness about the importance of mental health in driving safety is equally vital. Media outlets and relevant organizations can educate the public with accurate information about mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and hidden sleep disorders like narcolepsy and chronic drowsiness. Establishing dedicated helplines to support drivers in moments of fatigue or emotional distress could provide crucial assistance and prevention.
While upgrading vehicle fleets, strengthening safety infrastructure, and improving road conditions remain necessary, these efforts must fit within a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy prioritizing mental health and driver behavior. Coordination among government, health, education, and transportation sectors is key to ensuring not only safer vehicles but also safer drivers.
Enhanced enforcement and tougher regulations are also needed to reduce traffic violations and bolster driver responsibility. Smarter roads equipped with speed cameras and effective fines can promote adherence to the law, but these measures cannot substitute for behavioral change and mental health care. Psychological factors significantly influence accident risk; addressing them through driver training, mental health screenings, and smart vehicle technologies can substantially decrease accident rates.
Ultimately, improving road safety requires nurturing both the "mind" and the "road." It must be recognized that investing in mental health and safe driving behaviors is an investment in saving lives. Adopting a comprehensive approach that values human and psychological dimensions alongside technological advances will one day transform tragic accident reports into stories of road safety and well-being.
Conflict of Interest
Author declared no conflict of interest.
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| References |
1. Blanchard EB, Hickling EJ. After the crash: Psychological assessment and treatment of survivors of motor vehicle accidents, 2nd ed. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association; 2004. doi:10.1037/10676-000 [ DOI] 2. Bucsuházy K, Matuchová E, Zůvala R, Moravcová P, Kostíková M, Mikulec R. Human factors contributing to the road traffic accident occurrence. Transportation Research Procedia. 2020;45:555-561. doi:10.1016/j.trpro.2020.03.057 [ DOI] 3. Tavakoli A, Lai N, Balali V, Heydarian A. How are drivers’ stress levels and emotions associated with the driving context? A naturalistic study. Journal of Transport & Health. 2023;31:101649. doi:10.1016/j.jth.2023.101649 [ DOI] 4. Fathi A. The role of mental health components in high-risk driving behaviors. Journal of Police Medicine. 2020;9(3):143-148. [Persian] doi:10.30505/9.3.143 [ DOI] 5. Babulal GM, Chen L, Trani JF, Brown DC, Carr DB, Ances BM, Lenze EJ. Major Depressive Disorder and Driving Behavior Among Older Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(12):e2452038. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52038 [ DOI] 6. Tzeng NS, Hsing SC, Chung CH, Chang HA, Kao YC, Mao WC, et al. The risk of hospitalization for motor vehicle accident injury in narcolepsy and the benefits of stimulant use: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2019;15(6):881-889. doi:10.5664/jcsm.7842 [ DOI] |
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