Gender-Based Driving Behavior Patterns in the Context of Iran: A Qualitative Study

Background: Road traffic injuries are the eighth leading cause of deaths in all ages. Considering the fact that driving is a social context with different rules and behaviours, the present study was aimed to explore the patterns of gender-based driving behaviours focusing on women driving in the context of Iran. Methods: Through a conventional content analysis, overall, 30 participants with different social and educational levels were recruited. A purposeful sampling method was used in which 7 males and 23 females were included because of sample triangulation. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed through inductive content analysis. Results: Overall, three main categories and 10 subcategories were extracted from the data including unsafe risky behaviours against female drivers (subcategories of scary behaviours, aggression and violence against female drivers, ignoring women and revenge-based behaviours), protective and friendly behaviours (helping and caring for women drivers, respecting women drivers, being patient for women driving subcategories) and specific driving behaviours of women (preventive and cautious behaviours, driving based on traffic rules and cultural characteristics subcategories). Conclusion: Different patterns of driving behaviors focused on female drivers were found in the present research. Reducing the aggressive gender-based driving behaviors against female drivers and strengthening the protective behaviors for women can be achieved through establishing appropriate rules and public education. Further research is required to explore the process of gender-based driving behaviours, as well as identifying different consequences of such behaviours on communities.