Systematic Literature Review: Psychosocial Factors as Predictors of Risky Driving Behaviour and Involvement in Road Accidents among Romanian Drivers

Abstract

This systematic review synthesises international research (2010–2024) on psychosocial determinants of risky driving and accident involvement, with an emphasis on personality traits, cognitive–emotional regulation, risk perception, and social influences. Given that road traffic accidents remain a leading cause of injury and mortality worldwide, understanding the underlying psychological and social mechanisms is of paramount importance for prevention and policy development. The review adopted a comprehensive bibliometric and narrative approach, screening peer-reviewed articles across multiple databases and including studies that focused on individual differences and social-contextual variables related to risky driving. The bibliometric analysis highlights sensation seeking, impulsivity, attitudes, and peer pressure as central predictors consistently identified across diverse cultural settings. Cognitive emotion regulation strategies and distorted risk perception also emerged as significant factors that mediate or exacerbate risky behaviours behind the wheel. However, the predominance of cross-sectional, self-reported data and the limited consideration of contextual moderators (such as infrastructure, enforcement, and cultural norms) indicate important methodological shortcomings. These constraints restrict the generalisability of findings and call for more longitudinal, experimental, and cross-cultural designs. While the reviewed evidence provides valuable insights, its direct applicability to Romania remains limited. The country’s distinctive cultural, infrastructural, and socio-economic conditions underscore the urgent need for context-specific investigations. Addressing this gap could advance both theoretical models and practical interventions, contributing to evidence-based road safety policies and psychological assessment frameworks tailored to high-risk driver populations.