Are what happens next exercises and self-generated commentaries useful additions to hazard perception training for novice drivers?

We investigated whether self-generated commentaries and what happens next exercises are useful additions to hazard perception training. Two hundred and thirty-three novice drivers experienced one of four different video-based training interventions derived from an existing hazard perception training package: (1) what happens next training; (2) expert commentary training; (3) hybrid commentary training (i.e., expert plus self-generated commentaries); or (4) the full training package (i.e., what happens next plus hybrid commentary training). There was also a placebo control condition. Drivers' hazard perception skill was measured using video-based tests featuring real driving footage at three times: immediately prior to the intervention; immediately post-intervention; and after a one-week delay. Compared to the placebo control, all training interventions significantly improved hazard perception response times immediately after the intervention. The full training resulted in the largest improvement, and the what happens next training the least. The addition of self-generated commentaries to the expert commentary training (hybrid commentary condition) did not significantly improve response times. The what happens next training was found to be significantly less effective than the expert commentary training condition both immediately after the intervention, and also after a one week delay. All training effects decayed significantly after the delay, but the effect of full training remained significant. Although no benefit was found in adding self-generated commentaries to expert commentaries, the possibility remains that the what happens next exercises may provide an additional benefit when combined with commentary training. The results provide further support for hazard perception training as an evidence-based alternative to traditional methods of improving novice driver safety.

The development and validation of a hazard perception test for use in driver licensing.

Drivers' hazard perception is the ability to identify dangerous situations on the road ahead. We detail the development and validation of a new computer-based hazard perception test to be used for driver licensing purposes in Queensland, Australia. We proposed five principles of effective hazard perception test creation, which we used to guide development of the test. In Study 1, the video-based instructions for the test were found to be intelligible to non-native English-speakers with an effective English reading age of 10 years. In Study 2, experienced drivers were found to be faster at responding to hazards in the test than learner drivers (independent of simple reaction time or ability to use the response device), providing evidence for test validity. We found no evidence of gender, income, or educational differences in hazard perception scores. The results of both experiments confirm the efficacy of the five principles, and provide support for the validity of the QT-HPT and its suitability for use in the graduated driver licensing system.

A brief office-based hazard perception intervention for drivers with ADHD symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a simple and brief hazard perception training intervention tailored to meet the needs of male drivers with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms. METHODS: Twenty male drivers with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms were quasi-randomly assigned to either a hazard perception training package (trained group) or a control intervention video (untrained group), presented in an office setting. Video-based hazard perception tests involving real-life driving scenes were conducted both before and after the interventions. RESULTS: The hazard perception response times of the trained group significantly improved compared with the untrained group, t (18) = 3.21, p < 0.005. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvements in hazard perception response times in male drivers with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms were found following the training intervention. This indicates that such training has potential for inclusion in a management plan for reducing the crash rates of this high risk group of drivers. The training is practical, quick, and affordable, and has the potential to translate into real-world driving outcomes.