This paper surveys hazard perception research under the behavioural studies programme at Reading University. `Hazard perception' is drivers' ability to anticipate potentially dangerous situations on the road, and seems to play an important part in safe driving. The first and second studies, respectively, examined how far the researchers' measure of hazard perception performance could distinguish between novice and expert drivers, and whether the differences were due to experts' better training or greater experience. It was found that participants in a ROSPA advanced training course significantly improved their hazard perception. The researchers devised their own four-hour training programme, to test how far the hazard perception of novice drivers could be improved. Studies were also made of hazard perception and dual-task performance, and of how far hazard perception could be automated. Some significant new developments of the hazard perception test are outlined.
Abstract