Young men driving dangerously: Development of the Motives for Dangerous Driving Scale (MDDS)

The present study was conducted to identify the motives underlying dangerous driving among young males. Exploratory factor analysis (N¼200) yielded a three-factor structure representing three major motives for risky driving – driving fast/risk taking, confidence in one’s driving skills, disrespect for traffic laws. Confirmatory factor analysis (N¼264) confirmed and further clarified this factor structure in representing the motives underlying young males’ driving behavior. Correlation analysis between the three identified motives for risky driving and self-reports of experiences/frequencies of traffic accidents and traffic offences offered support for the newly developed Motives for Dangerous Driving Scale’s criterion-related validity. The implications of the findings with regard to the development of effective intervention strategies for dangerous driving among young males are discussed.