Discussion of Norman Tabachnick and Robert E. Litman's Article, Character and Life Circumstance in Fatal Accident

The authors' suggestions that fatal accidents are linked to: (a) a psychological state characterized by impulsive activities; (b) transition to new responsibilities producing a crisis situation, stimulate ideas for further discussion.

In psychoanalytic work we see impulsive urges such as fight or flight occurring when repressed anger appears. The strength of the impulse in its relation to the ego and superego functions are important factors in the outcome.

What causes the faulty reality testing that contributes to many fatal accidents? Insofar as these accidents are connected with personal negligence, risk, or misperception, rather than unforeseeable mechanical failure or pure chance, is there a lack of that armor that helps caution to function almost automatically? Where there is intense unconscious involvement, we may be dealing with a lack of ability to test reality. In some individuals this may stem from an unconscious sense of omnipotence related to the elated phase of a manic-depressive cycle. The defense of denial is part of a distorted sense of danger versus security. This may be responsible for failure to control a swift vehicle or perceive brake failure beforehand. Fear of passivity may enhance substitution of an elated, active mood for repose. Danger is denied, or projected, condensed, isolated—e.g., the driver's fantasies may be hostile, self-destructive, or associated with power.

Elation or defiance may mask depression or diffuse anger; the flight fantasies may take the place of alertness about the current scene. Erroneous appraisal of power in others or in other vehicles is apt to be part of the general imbalance of a manic state. A feeling of enhanced potency versus denial of dependence or need for help from others is an important factor. The driver's vehicle or his strong body symbolize a fountain of strength, potency and security, to himself. His prime urge is to manipulate others, to be omnipotent: thus there is a certain superficiality in his estimat