A study of dichotomous thought processes in accident-prone drivers

Car accidents as a method of suicide: a comprehensive overview

The research literature provides evidence on the possible link between single-car accident drivers and suicidal intent, and some scholars have stressed the role of unconscious suicidal motivations in some single-car accidents. This paper review relevant literature on the topic and sheds light on neglected factors that may play a central role in reducing the number of deaths due to car accidents. We performed careful PubMed, and PsycInfo searches to identify all papers and book chapters in English during the period 1955-2011. Our overview of the literature indicates that above 2% of the traffic accidents are suicide behaviors. However, the phenomenon may be underreported, considering that suicides by car accidents may be reported as accidental in the national statistics. On the other hand, the association between accident-pronesses and unconscious self-destructive impulses is an issue that is difficult to solve.

Completed suicides and traffic accidents: longitudinal analysis in France

In order to assess the relationship between suicidal behavior and traffic accidents, we analyzed the seasonal patterns of completed suicides and deaths related to traffic accidents in France over a period of 8 years. We found a clear seasonal rhythm of completed suicides with a peak in May, and an additional peak in September. The traffic accident rate also underwent seasonal variations with maximum values occurring in the fall. No positive covariation between the seasonal patterns of suicide and traffic accidents was detected. The lack of temporal relationship between suicide and traffic accident is consistent with recent epidemiological studies, and suggests that fatal traffic accidents and suicidal behavior may not be related.

Psychosocial predictors of accident/error rates in nursing studies: a prospective study

A prospective study of accident/error rates was carried out on thirty-one nursing students. Recent life changes and stresses, social support available to cope with this stress, depression, illness rate, and coping skills were measured at baseline. Five weeks later students recorded accidents suffered and errors made over a week long period. The number of life changes in the previous two years made over a week long period. The number of life changes in the previous two years and the amount of adjustment required to cope with these changes, together with the social support available to help cope with these events were the most powerful predictors of accident/error rate. Together they accounted for 70 per cent of the variance. Multiple regression equations for the outcome variables were calculated to study the best linear predictor combination. Depression and coping skills had poor predictor power. The implications of the findings for health care personnel are discussed. Steps to lower the accident/error rate in those at risk are outlined.