Advanced Driver Training - Its Potential Role In Developing Attitudes And Skills

Abstract

The research aimed to establish whether advanced driver training could be effective in improving road safety. The research focused on a study of the police (basing research on the Essex Police), an organisation which has introduced attitude and belief systems training due to the increasing number of accidents during police pursuits. Attitudes and skill levels of trainees were measured at the beginning and after each phase of training. The stability and longevity of trainees' attitudes were assessed at varying time intervals for each trainee after the training. In addition, an assessment was made of the influence of police driving instructors and police recruitment policy on attitude development. The research concluded that although police driver training (as instructed by the Essex Police) improves driving skills, there is little evidence to suggest that it develops 'safe' attitudes and beliefs towards driving with reference to road safety. If similar training was given to the general public, it is anticipated that such training can only be an effective measure in improving road safety for safety conscious individuals, as opposed to those with 'unsafe' attitudes towards driving.