The Netherlands Centre for Environmental and Traffic Psychology (COV) and DigiTAAL (a Dutch communication company) developed an interactive multi-media computer programme for speed-limit offenders. This programme should be used during speed controls; the offender may be remitted a part of the fine by doing the programme. The goal of the programme is to make speeders aware of the negative implications of their behaviour, and to change their attitude negatively towards offending speed limits. In the laboratory, the computer programme was evaluated and compared with the impact of the printed publicity, in the form of two leaflet conditions: a general leaflet about traffic, and a specific leaflet about speeding. One week after participating in the study, subject were sent a questionnaire as measurement afterwards. It appeared that the general attitude towards speeding was changed most in the programme condition; subjects became more negative towards offending speed limits and various related aspects. The specific speeding leaflet appeared to influence the attitude towards driving fun positively and obeying traffic regulations negatively. Regarding knowledge about speeding and its consequences, the computer programme did not give better results than the other conditions. However, the subjects considered the programme more impressive than the leaflet conditions, and indicated to participate when confronted with it in real. (A)
Abstract