Role of gender and driver behaviour in road traffic crashes

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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of gender on driver behaviour and accident involvement in the State of Qatar. The influence of the driver's sex on road traffic crashes is explored in this study. This is a cross-sectional study design and the data reported in the present study were collected from Qatari drivers between October 2004 and March 2005. A multistage stratified cluster sampling was performed. Fifteen hundred drivers were approached and 1110 agreed to participate. Participants completed a questionnaire including socio-demographic information, Driver Behaviour Questionnaire, Driver Skill Inventory and seatbelt use. The study revealed that more than half of the studied Qatari drivers (76.3%) were men whereas (23.7%) were women. Analyses showed that women reported a higher number of violations, and lapses. No significant association was found between male and female drivers in terms of errors. Six driving skill items also indicated statistically significant differences between male and female drivers. Analyses of the data reported in this study revealed a significantly higher accident rates among male drivers as compared to female drivers. The findings of this study are compatible with the current literature. Adequate preventive measures are needed to reduce the road accidents and their severity.

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