Professional drivers are considered prone to health risks. For this reason we have conducted a predictive study to analyze variables that may be predictors of stress in driving. Participating in this study were 372 drivers (93.4% men, 6.6% women) recruited through non-probabilistic sampling. The aim of the study is to develop a prediction model for job stress in professional drivers using the following indicators: personality, impulsiveness, hardy personality, job, age, seat comfort, seat suspension, lumbar support and driving hours. We found that the variables with predictive power over driving stress were: commitment over relaxed driving (ΔR2 = 0.101; β = 0.135), danger prevention (ΔR2 = 0.139; β = 0.342) and fatigue and anxiety (ΔR2 = 0.063; β = -0.227); control over alertness and vigilance (ΔR2 = 0.069; β = 0.278); agreeableness over sensation-seeking (ΔR2 = 0.047; β = -0.268). In conclusion, driver stress can be predicted by certain variables. This study contributes to better understanding of driver stress and promotes safety at the wheel, thus helping to prevent traffic accidents.
Keywords: driver stress; predictive factors; prevent traffic accidents; stress in driving; vehicle characteristics.