Familial Aggregation of High-Risk Driving Behaviors in Northwestern Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Although the association between human factors, such as driving traffic risky behavior (DRB) and road traffic crashes (RTCs), have extensively been studied, there is a gap in understanding the role of familial predisposing factors in DRB occurrence. This study in northwestern Iran aimed to elucidate the sociodemographic profile of drivers and assess the familial aggregation (FA) of DRB in first-degree relatives. This cross-sectional study used stratified random sampling to examine the FA of DRB among 541 individuals in Tabriz, Iran, in 2023. The head of household served as a proband and first-degree relatives were included. Data were collected using two standard self-administered questionnaires. The generalized estimating equations with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) assessed the FA of DRB. The overall prevalence of high-risk driving behavior was 46.02%, with significant FA observed between mothers and offspring (OR: 1.97, 95%CI: 1.05–3.69). Fathers or offspring with violation driving behaviors significantly increased the likelihood of similar violations among their offspring or fathers approximately. Offspring’s slip behaviors were significantly associated with these behaviors in their parents and siblings. Moreover, lapse behaviors showed significant FA among siblings. Our findings showed that FA exists in the DRB, particularly in the slip behavior dimension, with aggregation between fathers-offspring, mothers-offspring, and siblings. No FA of DRB was found between spouses. Regardless of the reason for FA, these imply that the family plays a significant role in DRB occurrence, suggesting the potential effectiveness of a family-based prevention program. Screening programs are recommended to identify DRB in relatives referred to a trauma referral hospital to provide targeted preventive interventions.