Workplace stress as predictor of risky driving behavior among taxi drivers. The role of job-related affective state and taxi driving experience

Abstract This study evaluated the relationships between the workplace conflicts and risky driving behavior in a sample of taxi drivers. We also investigated the mediational role of job-related affective state in the relationships between the workplace conflicts and risky driving behavior on the road, and whether these relationships are moderated by driving experience as a taxi driver. The sample included 237 taxi drivers ( M age = 39.10, SD  = 9.97 years). The participants completed scales measuring the workplace conflicts with clients and with peers, job-related affective state, and risky driving behavior, as well as demographic information. The results showed that both conflicts with clients and with peers are positively associated with risky driving behavior. Further, the relations between workplace conflicts and risky driving behavior are mediated by job-related positive and negative affective state. Moreover, the relation between conflicts with clients and risky driving is moderated by driving experience as a taxi driver. Our findings indicated that workplace conflicts play an important role in risky driving behavior engagement. Further, results bring evidence for the less studied relations between job-related affective states and risky driving behavior, taking into account taxi driving experience. Means of improving workplace safety that target not only taxi drivers but also members of the community are presented. Further, the importance of reducing job-related stress in order to enhance driver’s ability to cope with job challenges is presented.