Analysis of Truck Driver Behavior Using Factor Analysis: A Study of Drivers from Bihar,India

Abstract

Personality traits and driving skills are well established predictors of driving behavior and crash risks. However, limited research has explored the relationship between these factors and road crashes among professional truck drivers, particularly under Indian conditions. This study aims to examine the how personality traits, driving skills, and driving behaviors are linked to crash involvement within this high-risk occupational group. To achieve this, the present study conducted a face-to-face survey of 159 truck drivers using a driver behavior questionnaire. The collected data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis, with the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value of 0.751 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity confirming the sample’s suitability for factor analysis. Seven distinct behavioral factors were extracted: aggressive violations, ordinary violations, errors, slip & lapse, aggressive driving, risky driving, and positive behaviors. To explore demographic influences, two non-parametric tests—Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H—were applied. The results revealed significant correlations between driver behaviors and variables such as driver age, education, driving experience, accident history, and alcohol consumption. Notably, violations, error, and positive behaviors emerged as key predictors of crash involvement. The findings highlight the importance of integrating personality and behavior assessments into driver safety programs. Promoting positive driving behavior through targeted interventions such as enhanced driver training programs and stricter enforcement strategies holds significant potential for reducing road crashes among professional truck drivers, promoting safer driving practices and improving overall road safety.