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Paper Title:
New Look Driver-Training:
Deflating Confidence And Promoting Safety
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Authors:
Teresa M. Senserrick
Abstract:
AAMI / Skilled Drivers
of Australia have developed a driver-training program that departs
considerably from previous programs that have focused on vehicle-handling
or manoeuvring skills and have tended to increase crash risk. The
objective of the Skilled Drivers program is to provide 18-25 year-olds
greater insight into potential risks when driving through both theory
and practical sessions. MUARC aimed to evaluate the program through
quantitative, qualitative, and observational research. Questionnaires
on attitudes, behaviours, and other crash-risk factors were distributed
to young drivers (N = 214), first, on enrolling in the course, second,
just before or just after participation in the course (to form a
control and case group), and finally, 8-9 weeks following completion
of the course. Repeated measures analyses identified several positive
changes, including increased confidence in hazard management but
not in overall driving ability, a protective role regarding dangerous
driving behaviours (as measured by the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire),
and increased sensitivity to the possibility of a near miss or crash.
There was also a tendency for young males to report a reduction
in both confidence and the likelihood that they would speed in the
near future. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses and a
one-day observation of the program complemented these findings.
Participants reported long-term changes, including safer headways,
speeds, and greater awareness of the driving environment. It was
concluded that the AAMI / Skilled Drivers driver-training program
effected positive changes that were likely to reduce the risk of
crash involvement for these young drivers.
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