Identifying and remedying failures of hazard anticipation in novice drivers

Abstract

The current paper proposes a novel taxonomy of latent hazard anticipation by distinguishing modal, strategic, tactical, and operational hazard anticipation skills. Novice drivers face an increased risk of being involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes. Research involving both on-road and driving simulator studies suggests that novice drivers are especially poor at anticipating latent hazards. We reviewed and synthesized previous works on hazard anticipation in young drivers. Modal hazard anticipation skills are broader in nature and more applicable to the general traffic, roadway, and environmental conditions, while strategic, tactical, and operational hazard anticipation skills are more scenario-specific and necessary when navigating a potentially safety-critical situation. It is known that error-based feedback training programs can improve both tactical and strategic, but not yet operational and modal hazard anticipation abilities of novice drivers. Future research should explore individual differences in the effectiveness of training interventions for young novice drivers.