The prevention of road accidents in non-expert drivers: Exploring the influence of Theory of Mind and driving style

It is now online the article: “The prevention of road accidents in non-expert drivers: Exploring the influence of Theory of Mind and driving style.” by Raffaella Nori, Micaela Maria Zucchelli, Pierluigi Cordellieri, Alessandro Quaglieri, Massimiliano Palmiero, Paola Guariglia, Marco Giancola, Anna Maria Giannini, and Laura Piccardi, published in Safety Science. This article aims to examine the connection between Cognitive and Affective Theory of Mind (ToM) and Driving Style in road safety. We hypothesize that a higher level of ToM corresponds to a greater ability to avoid accidents and to assume virtuous driving behaviour. We investigate how ToM impacts driving behaviour, directly correlating with assessing potential accidents’ probability and severity. 207 non-expert drivers, including 164 females, participated in assessing Cognitive and Affective ToM through two tasks. They also completed self-measured questionnaires to assess their driving style and behaviours. In addition, they evaluated 12 videos depicting cars, motorcycles, trucks, and pedestrians to determine the probability of a road accident and the level of danger in each scenario. The results of the mediation models clearly indicate a relationship between ToM and the reduction of road accidents. Specifically, Cognitive ToM plays a crucial role in assessing the probability of risky and dangerous situations related to Risky and Angry Driving Styles. However, it was observed that Cognitive ToM does not significantly affect the prediction of actual driving behaviours. Our results suggest the importance of creating drive-assistance systems considering both the Cognitive ToM and Driving Style to reduce road accidents among non-expert drivers.

More from the Blog

The Dual Process model: the effect of cognitive load on the ascription of intentionality
It is now online the article: "The Dual Process model: the effect of cognitive load on the ascription of intentionality" by Micaela Maria Zucchelli, Nicola Matteucci Armandi Avogli Trotti, Andrea Pavan, Laura Piccardi, and Raffaella Nori, published in Frontiers in Psychology. This article seeks to examine the intentionality behind decision-making by utilizing a cognitive load […]
Spatial Navigation and Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Spatial Navigation and Neurodevelopmental Disorder It is now online the Editorial: [Spatial Navigation and Neurodevelopmental Disorders], by   Noemi Faedda, Laura Piccardi, Maddalena Boccia, Åsa Bartonek, Cecilia Guariglia, published in   Frontiers in Psy...
Conceptual image of Climate Change Anxiety research showing the connection between mind and environment.
Climate Change Anxiety: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Our Changing Planet
Climate Change Anxiety: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Our Changing Planet The highly anticipated editorial, “Climate Change Anxiety,” authored by Matteo Innocenti, Alessandro von Gal, Laura Piccardi, Joshua M. Carlson, Francisco Sampaio, and John Jamir Benzon Aruta, is now officially available online at Frontiers in Psychology.  An Interdisciplinary Breakthrough in Climate-Related Distress This comprehensive Research […]
Scroll to Top