This chapter shows various ways in which drivers need support to attain and maintain reasonable performance levels. Current driver training procedures do not, and perhaps cannot, provide such support. The author suggests, instead, the need to consider how advanced transport telematics (ATT) and road transport informatics (RTI) developments can be applied to improve drivers' learning, and thus their ability to drive safely in a wide range of conditions. Practice only makes learned behaviour predictable; it does not guarantee that it is also correct. Most drivers have inadequate opportunities for learning how to implement certain manoeuvres, even with fully professional instructors. Due to individual variations, it may not be feasible to adapt support for driving behaviour to the needs of groups of motorists. Thus training needs to address the needs of individual drivers, at least in its early stages. The appropriate way of supporting a driver seems likely to depend on what behaviour is to be supported and on the system designer's requirements for longer-term learning. More empirical research is needed, to optimise support systems. The GIDS consortium in the DRIVE programme is developing a personalised learning and support module (PSALM), which is discussed at the end of the chapter. PSALM will store individual drivers' performance profiles, and provide them with appropriate feedback messages.
Samenvatting