ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on individual differences in operators' ability to perform transportation tasks, such as driving and flying. Most people are familiar with these individual differences from performing the common task of driving a motor vehicle. Individual differences in driving ability can be seen by looking at driving style (e.g., speeding) and the outcomes of driving performance (e.g., crash involvement). Matthews et al. (1998) have documented individual differences in attitudes towards driving and driving style. Also, individual differences in driving performance are associated with group differences, such as gender and age. Thus, fatal crashes by United States drivers in 2002 were highest for males and younger drivers; and males and younger drivers were more likely to be speeding at the time of these crashes (NHTSA, 2004). Similarly, middle-aged aircraft pilots (age 35-55) in the United States had lower accident rates from 1988-1997 than younger or older pilots (Broach, Joseph and Schroeder, 2003).
