The human factor in driving accidents An overview of approaches and problems

Several approaches to accident involvement are considered. Rather than exhaustively review the empirical data an attempt is made to concentrate on the major issues with particular emphasis on the conceptual difficulties which each approach faces. The confusion surrounding the concept of accident proneness is considered and an alternative approach to the study of individual differences advocated. Some major issues and problems facing research on alcohol and drugs are discussed. The evidence refuting 'biorhythm’ theory is considered. Some of the major empirical and conceptual difficulties facing driver improvement schemes, environmental modification programmes and risk taking theories are discussed.