New equipment and techniques for training drivers to avoid crashing following imminent threats from both unmoving objects and other moving automobiles were developed and applied. Sixteen students, ranging from newly licensed teenagers to adults with more than five years of driving experience, were exposed to the realistic crash avoidance experience provided by the new equipment and techniques on a driving range. Initial differences were noted between the beginning drivers and the experienced adults in their respective abilities to avoid crashes. Before leaving the program, however, the drivers of each age and experience subgroup had become significantly better and about equal in their ability to escape the imminent danger faced. More encouraging was that all the students retested nine months after training not only had retained the crash avoidance skills developed, they improved them.
Abstract