Objective: The current study investigated the role of psychological factors influencing driving speed choice (DSC) among three driver groups: novice, experienced and offending drivers. The objectives were to (i) compare DSC, hazard perception (HP), impulsivity, decision-making, and psychopathology symptoms between the driver groups; (ii) examine the relationship between DSC and the other variables, and (iii) examine the moderating role of driver groups on the relationship between DSC and the other variables. Methods: A total of 168 drivers (18 to 45 years old) participated in the study: 54 novice, 47 experienced and 67 offending. DSC was measured by a questionnaire and a photographic task, HP by a computerized task, impulsivity by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, decision-making by the Iowa Gambling Task, and psychopathological symptoms by the Symptom Checklist-25. ANOVA, correlations and regression were computed to analyse the data. Results: Between-group comparisons showed that novice drivers selected a lower speed than experienced and offending drivers. Offenders, compared to novice and experienced groups, scored lower in HP and reported higher psychopathological symptoms. Higher DSC significantly associated with lower HP scores. After controlling for age, sex, education, driving exposure and group membership, HP and impulsivity significantly related to DSC. Moderation analysis indicated significant interactions between HP, impulsivity and decision-making by driving group. Discussion: Driving experience increases DSC. Offending is associated with poorer HP and higher psychopathological symptoms. While, DSC is associated to HP and impulsivity, these associations are more evident among novice and experienced drivers. Among drivers with poor decision-making, offenders drive at higher speeds than novice or experienced drivers. Implications for future research regarding the mental health of offending drivers, training programs and policy-making are discussed.

Keywords