This very frequent behavior in the car reveals a narcissistic personality

A study published in the scientific journal PLOS One reveals that using your smartphone while driving (by responding to notifications and sending text messages) is linked to the “dark triad”: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy.

Much more than a bad habit

According to the Road Safety website “calling while driving necessarily distracts attention and increases the risk of an accident by 3. More serious, reading a message while driving multiplies the risk by 23: it forces the driver to look away from the road for at least 5 seconds. The use of a mobile phone held in the hand is punishable by a fixed fine of €135 and a withdrawal of 3 points from the driving license.“If these dangers are (sometimes) known, this does not prevent the offenses of thousands of motorists each year. A study reveals that in addition to being a bad habit, the use of smartphones while driving reveals traits of worrying personality among drivers.

This work was carried out with around 1,000 drivers. Among them, more than half (61%) admitted to using their mobile phone while driving. Researchers were able to identify a correlation between problematic smartphone use while driving and the “dark triad”: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. These personalities would thus present strong impulsivity, a lack of empathy and a tendency to manipulation.

Regardless of these toxic personalities, the researchers also noted that problematic smartphone use was an important predictor of dangerous behavior in the car. They also encourage more prevention on this point.

Good reflexes to avoid distractions while driving

On the Road Safety website, you can find numerous tips to avoid being distracted by notifications and other messages:

• Unplug: the solution is radical but it is effective. Turn off your cell phone or put it in “airplane” mode before getting behind the wheel;
• Put all your belongings (all of them, including your phone) in the trunk of your car or the top box of your two-wheeler;
• Think ahead: do you have an important phone call to make? Do it BEFORE you hit the road;
• Inform your contacts that you will not be reachable;
• If you are accompanied, ask your passenger to take the call;
• Plan a break: If you feel the need to check your phone, take the opportunity to take a break. Stop in a suitable and safe place for yourself and others (parking lot, rest area, parking space, etc.). On the motorway, you must stop in designated areas and never in emergency lanes;
• Think about the penalties incurred. If you are fined for using the telephone, you risk a fine of 135 euros and a loss of 3 points on your license;
• Use the Road Safety app “Driving Mode” which sends a message to those who contact you while you are driving.

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