Approbation of the model for evaluation of drivers prone to risky driving (Estonian and Russian samples)

The article presents the results of approbation of the questionnaire, that allows evaluating drivers’ inclinations to taking various risks while driving. This questionnaire was developed at NPO Estonian Traffic Behaviour Development Centre, basing on PhD thesis “Evaluation of the effectiveness of a primary preventive program “Clear Picture…!?” to increase traffic safety” by G. Meinhard. Translation of the questions into Russian was performed for Russian-speaking Estonian citizens. The underlying diagnostic model of the questionnaire was implemented into a state program for preventive work with traffic offenders in Estonia in 2014. In the research AUDIT (as a part of the questionnaire) aimed at investigation of attitude towards alcohol consump tion was first used with the Russian sample. The sample included 635 drivers: 465 were Estonian citizens (15,5% females, 84,5% males) and 170 Russian citizens (38,8% females, 61,2% males). All the research participants had the history of multiple speed violations, as well as the other traffic rules violation. Some of the participants underwent medical checks for drunk driving. The results showed that the questionnaire scales, used in this diagnostic model, are highly consistent: Cronbach’s alpha ranges from 0,75 to 0,90 that proves reliability of this instrument. The exception is “Evaluation of driving threats and risks” that has Cronbach’s alpha in the range from 0,54 for the Russian sample. The article provides the first publications of the results of using this questionnaire with the Russian sample. These results can be applied to further investigations of inclination towards unsafe driving among Russian drivers as well as for implementing the underlying diagnostic model into the practice of screening and psychological counselling to prevent traffic accidents in Russia.