Greek driver attitudes towards aggressive driving

This paper explores the characteristics of driver aggressiveness in Greece through perceptions on their own behavior and the behavior of other drivers. Within the framework of the project SafeCulture, a dedicated survey was conducted and the answers of 302 car drivers and 201 two-wheeler drivers on 5 questions regarding speed, 6 questions regarding overtaking behavior and aggressiveness and 3 questions regarding alcohol consumption were analysed. Factor analysis methods were utilized to produce continuous secondary factor variables for speed, aggressiveness and alcohol consumption. Binary logistic regression models correlated these factors with driver involvement in road crashes during the last two years. Two Greek regions were considered: capital city Athens and the island of Rhodes. Results indicate that drivers do not perceive traditional crash factors as causes for their crash involvement. Specifically, drivers stated that neither speeding nor driver inexperience or lack of education was considered as a crash involvement factor. The only contributing factors perceived by drivers was found to be those involving driver overtaking behavior and aggressiveness. The results will help provide insights on the aggressiveness of drivers and improve behavior and safety.