Evaluation of a collision-involved driver improvement scheme
ISSN: 1757-8043
Article publication date: 1 March 2021
Issue publication date: 6 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare driver knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (in terms of hazard, risk, accident, offence detection and driving skill perceptions) and self-reported driving style in a sample of 461 drivers before and after attending a UK driver improvement scheme for culpable collision-involved drivers, to inform future directions in the design of driver retraining programmes.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants were a sample of 461 drivers attending a UK 1.5 day driver improvement scheme course for culpable collision-involved drivers. The course contained classroom-based training and a practical driving component. Participants completed a driver improvement scheme questionnaire before and immediately after attending the 1.5-day course and again 3 months later.
Findings
Results indicated significant pre- and post-course effects in terms of increased driving safety with respect to driving knowledge, perceptions of control, perceived likelihood of accident-involvement, hazard perception and reported risk-taking. Key positive effects of reduced risk-taking and near-misses persisted three months after course completion.
Research limitations/implications
One limitation of this study is that at the 3-month follow-up there was a reduction in the response rate (44.69%) which included significantly fewer young drivers.
Practical implications
Results indicate positive behavioural, perceptual and behavioural changes, along with specific age, gender and driving experience effects which have implications for the design of future driving courses.
Social implications
This study has implications for community safety through enhanced road safety training measures.
Originality/value
The analysis of age, gender and driving experience effects of the impact of this driver improvement scheme will allow targeted training methods for specific groups of drivers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Source of support: Nil.Conflict of interest: none declared.
Citation
Adams-Guppy, J.R. and Guppy, A. (2021), "Evaluation of a collision-involved driver improvement scheme", Safer Communities, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 101-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-10-2020-0035
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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