Behavior and lifestyle characteristics of male Kuwaiti drivers.
BACKGROUND
The high traffic accident risk among young drivers is a well-known and well-documented fact in most countries. Lifestyle has proven to affect driving behavior as well as accident risk. This study covers the lifestyle component of the problems related to young male Kuwaiti drivers' accident risk.


METHODS
The purpose of the study is to measure the relationship between lifestyle and accident risk. Lifestyle is measured through a questionnaire, where 302 male Kuwaiti drivers (mean age=28 years; range 25-35 years) answer 39 questions related to behavioral and social factors, road conditions, police enforcement, and life satisfaction. They also report their involvement in accidents and traffic violations.


RESULTS
The questionnaire's validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.7) were achieved. Principal component analysis reduced the 39 items on the questionnaire to 5 factors. Inadequate police enforcement is strongly correlated (r=0.862) to accident risk and traffic violations and is thus considered the best predictor of traffic accidents in Kuwait.


CONCLUSIONS
As driving-related incidents (on-the-job and off-the-job) are a significant source of fatalities and lost-work-days, the study points to the importance of considering cultural factors in the design of comprehensive safety programs for industry.
Al-Hemoud
Ali M
AM
Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, 13109 Safat, Kuwait. ahomood@safat.kisr.edu.kw
Simmons
Rodney J
RJ
Al-Asfoor
May M
MM
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012449:Safety / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires