Evaluation of an insight driver-training program for young drivers

Monash University Accident Research Centre - Report #186 - 2001

Authors: T. M. Senserrick & G. C. Swinburne

Abstract

Traditional driver-training programs that aim to increase vehicle-handling and manoeuvring skills have previously been related, somewhat counter-intuitively, to an actual increase in the crash rate of young drivers. This is believed primarily to be due to associated increases in confidence that result in greater risk taking while driving. MUARC was commissioned to evaluate a driver-training program that alternatively aimed to provide greater insight and awareness of potential risks when driving, thereby targeting issues of over-confidence rather than traditional advanced driving skills. The Skilled Drivers of Australia driver-training program was developed for 18-25 year-olds and results in reduced comprehensive insurance premiums for AAMI Insurance holders. Questionnaires on attitudes, behaviours, enforcement and crash risk were distributed to course participants during 2000, first, on enrolling in the course, second, just before or just after participation in the course (to form control and case groups), and finally, 8-9 weeks following completion of the course. Repeated measures analyses identified several positive changes in attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of crash risk following course participation. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses on general feedback about the course complemented these findings. It was concluded that the insight training program conducted by AAMI / Skilled Drivers effected positive changes that were likely to reduce the risk of crash involvement of the young drivers. Several practical recommendations were provided to enhance these positive outcomes and more conclusively evaluate the potential reduction in crash risk.

Executive Summary

Traditional driver-training programs that aim to improve vehicle-handling skills, including manoeuvring exercises and skid training, have tended to be relatively ineffective in reducing crashes. In fact, the introduction of skid training into driver-training programs has been found to increase certain crash types for young drivers. This has been attributed to associated increases in confidence that resulted in greater risk-taking.

Rather than focusing on physical skills, insight training focuses on attitudinal-motivational skills. The aim is to raise drivers' awareness of factors that contribute to crashes and potential risks when driving. An example of an insight-training program is provided by AAMI Insurance in their Skilled Drivers of Australia program for recently licensed drivers. The one-day program was developed for 18-25 year olds and is comprised of both theoretical and practical components. MUARC was commissioned to evaluate the program in relation to changes in road safety attitudes and behaviours, and perceptions of enforcement and crash risk factors.

Questionnaires were distributed to participants at the time of enrolment in the AAMI / Skilled Drivers program (Time 1). A second questionnaire was completed either just prior to course participation to form a control group, or just following course participation to form a case group (Time 2). This allowed relative short-term outcomes of the course to be evaluated. In order to evaluate more long-term effects, an additional questionnaire was distributed to all participants at approximately eight weeks following their completion of the driver-training program (Time 3).

A total of 220 young drivers (54 male, 166 female) responded at Time 1. The final sample, that is, those who completed all three questionnaires, was comprised of 149 of these participants (35 male, 114 female).

Repeated measures analyses identified several significant differences in the responses of cases and controls indicating positive changes in both the short term and long term. Overall, the findings indicated that after the Skilled Drivers driver-training program:

overall confidence in personal driving ability did not increase, with male drivers reporting reduced confidence in their driving ability;
participants reported greater discomfort driving close behind another vehicle;
they were less likely to agree that driver-training was a waste of time;
participants' belief that they were a better driver than others became stronger;
they tended to report increased confidence in their ability to manage possible hazards when driving, mostly true for females;
they reported low levels of dangerous driving behaviours, as measured by the Driving Behaviour Questionnaire, that did not increase over the survey period;
the sensitivity of participants to the possibility of having a crash increased; and
the tendency of the young males to drive over the speed limit was reduced, at least to the lower level reported by females.

Positive effects of being enrolled in the driver-training program and waiting to take part were also evident. Those waiting to take part in the course:

tended to less strongly perceive themselves as better than other drivers;
more strongly agreed they could use more training;
reported reduced confidence in their driving ability; and
tended to report greater awareness of the risk of having a crash or near miss, and of failing to see a hazard.

It is likely that knowing their peers were receiving training effected some of these changes, at least in part.

Qualitative feedback on the course included in responses to open-ended questions clearly indicated several positive outcomes:

all but two participants reported positive changes in their driving behaviour, including the adoption of safer speeds, headways, and stopping distances;
greater awareness of the driving environment was also reported by approximately one-third of respondents;
the key messages of the day were well retained and were considered important;
practical exercises, the most popular component, were considered to reinforce the messages raised in theoretical sessions; and
overall participants enjoyed the course and believed it should be recommended to other road-user groups.

Overall therefore, the Skilled Drivers program did not inflate the confidence of the young drivers, as found to be true of other driver-training programs. Awareness of risks when driving increased and dangerous driving behaviours were minimised. In particular, male drivers reported reduced confidence in their driving ability and a tendency to reduce their speeds. Qualitative findings complemented the quantitative findings clearly supporting the contention that the driver-training program effected positive changes in driving attitudes and behaviours. Together these findings suggested insight training, as provided by the Skilled Drivers program, provides a promising road safety countermeasure. Given the reduction in behaviours that are generally associated with crashes by drivers in this age group, it was concluded that AAMI / Skilled Drivers driver-training program, was likely to result in reduced crash involvement for young drivers.

To further the effectiveness of the course, the following recommendations were made:

the use of a variety of teaching mediums and the heightening of emotions should continue;
opportunities to enhance personal relevance and social influences during the course should be maximised, including the introduction of a group discussion or focus group;
when possible, one or more practical exercises should be repeated on a sand or fine gravel surface for comparative experience;
given the positive outcomes of the evaluation, a survival analysis of time to first claim by insurance holders who do and do not chose to undertake training would provide information on the relationship between these positive changes and actual reductions in crashes.

Overall, the insight-training program resulted in important road safety messages being relayed and adopted in a relatively short time period. Researchers and others involved in the field of road safety should consider the potential benefits of insight training, such as that provided by the AAMI / Skilled Drivers program, for future driver-training research and development.

Sponsoring Organisation: AAMI/Skilled Drivers of Australia Limited