Driver improvement-measures need to strive towards a change in the behaviour of irresponsible drivers. This driver rehabilitation is understood to be the primary objective influencing the learning process in traffic activities. An analysis is made of driver behaviour from the teaching theory viewpoint. Comprehension by the objective groups of these measures is illustrated from the aspect of the connection between crime and accidents with the aid of different punishment point systems. A survey of different measures shows the effectiveness of warning letters and interviews. Group courses are described with respect to their form and content and also to their effectiveness (discussion of literature from the USA and from German speaking countries). Driver improvement in the form of small groups appears to be the most promising measure for the rehabilitation of traffic offenders. For the future of driver improvement a better theoretical foundation for the course programme and for systematic effectiveness control is required such as consideration of experience in other areas, which have long been concerned with the attainment of change in behaviour. The availability of elements of behaviour therapy, of discussion psychotherapy and dynamic group training procedures for the formation of driver improvement course programmes is discussed. Finally there follows the introduction of a model for the detection and rehabilitation of irresponsible drivers in Austria, which provides primarily for a step-by-step procedure, a discriminating response to the measures and systematic control of results.
Abstract