Improving Accident Statistics and Expanding the Role of Traffic Psychologists in Brazil

• Autor(a) principal: Wit,Paulus A J M de
• Data de Publicação: 2016
• Outros Autores: Souza,Caroline Zaneripe de, Cruz,Roberto Moraes
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Psicologia (Conselho Federal de Psicologia. Online)
• Texto Completo: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1414-98932016000400816
• topic: Traffic Psychology; Traffic Accidents; Psychological Assessment; Young Drivers; Elderly Drivers; Aggressive Drivers

Abstract Due to the mandatory assessment of psychological fitness to drive of prospective drivers, Brazil has a relatively large amount of traffic psychologists. Since, in general, assessment only happens upon first licensing, the task of these psychologists is fairly limited (as is the scope of the assessment itself). Intention and method: this study aims to perform a critical analysis of possibilities to expand the role of psychologists working in the traffic system in Brazil. A systematic review study of databases and international documents was conducted and a scope of activity of psychologists in this area was built. First result statistical data is scattered over many agencies. First conclusion in order to better identify specific tendencies and risk groups in Brazil, statistical data related to accident involvement needs to be better, perhaps centrally, coordinated and consolidated. Second result international research related to three subgroups of drivers that constitute a significantly increased safety risk can inform future directions for traffic psychology in Brazil. Psychological processes that may underlie these risk increases are discussed. Second conclusion two subgroups (young drivers and aggressive drivers) could benefit from more than assessment, they could benefit from specific psychological interventions. The third subgroup (elderly drivers) is expected to increase significantly in the future, which asks for clearer policies, with a significant input form psychologists and psychological research.