Acidentes de trânsito e indicadores de riscos subjetivos de sofrimento psíquico em motoristas : um olhar sob a perspectiva do psicólogo do trânsito/tráfego.

Abstract

This study refers to an investigation of subjective risk indicators in drivers related to traffic accidents. The study targeted traffic psychologists working as evaluators in clinics accredited by the Department of Motor Vehicles (Detran), who maintain direct contact with drivers and driver's license applicants. In this sense, the main objective of this research was to investigate the risk factors for psychological distress involved in traffic accidents from the perspective of a traffic psychologist. It was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, consisting of the application of a questionnaire, via Google Forms, with open and closed questions, aimed at achieving the central objective of this research. The intervention took place through an extension course entitled "Mental Health and Traffic," which was aimed at traffic psychologists who participated in the research and was later extended to professionals interested in the topic, as well as undergraduate psychology students. The intervention occurred during the month of October 2025, on Tuesdays, from 6 pm to 10 pm, totaling 20 hours. The technical product was an informative and instructional e-book aimed at psychologists working in the context of traffic. This material stemmed from the extension course "Mental Health and Traffic" and presented propositions on psychological well-being, traffic, driving practices, traffic violence, and also a technique for stress management for drivers. The results of the research analyses indicated that mental health is closely linked to the driver's good performance in traffic. Among the factors that compromise the driver's well-being, stress, exhaustion, and depression were identified, which mainly affect drivers who work as professional drivers. Based on the study in question, it was possible to ascertain that the turbulent experiences lived by drivers negatively impact their mental health and present themselves as a complication for road safety. This highlights the need for collaboration to develop and promote mental health policies in the various contexts in which these drivers find themselves, so that fewer and fewer traffic accidents occur as a result of psychological distress.