The Traffic Research Centre performed an evaluation about the educational aspects of a computer programme for speeders. Goal of the programme is to make speeders aware of the negative implications of their behaviour and to change their attitude towards speeding. The computer programme should be used during speed controls; the offender may be remitted a part of the fine by doing the programme. The evaluation was done in a laboratory setting, and it was studied what the programme brings about in terms of knowledge and attitude, compared with two leaflet conditions, a general leaflet about traffic, and a specific leaflet about speeding. These conditions were presented in a between-group design to three groups of subjects. One week after participating in the study subject were sent a questionnaire as measurement afterwards. It was found that the general attitude towards speeding was changed most in the computer programmer condition; subjects became more negative towards speeding and various related aspects. The specific speeding leaflet appeared to influence the attitude towards driving fun and obeying traffic rules in an unwanted direction: less and more negative respectively. With regard to knowledge it appeared that the computer programme did not do better than the other conditions. The subjects considered the programme more impressive than the leaflet conditions. Most subjects made remarks about the material they were confronted with. Apart from the subjects the traffic co-ordinating police officers of the police region judged the computer programme. They found it positive and agreeable; they had sone suggestions for improvement. (A)
Abstract