Driver error rather than rider error has been highlighted as a major factor in powered-two-wheeler (PTW) accidents. However, little work on understanding and preventing these driver errors has taken place. Previous research which has addressed the issue of driver involvement in PTW accidents has focused upon increasing the conspicuity of the PTW or rider. A major limitation of this approach has been the tendency to dismiss the culpable driver as a passive victim of PTW inconspicuity. This has resulted in a failure to address cognitive and social issues associated with driver behaviour. A theoretical framework is presented which facilitates an understanding of driver error in interactions with PTWs. The concepts of Technical Awareness and Social Awareness are used to describe conditions which may predispose drivers to errors when interacting with PTWs. An empirical examination of the theoretical framework is presented, examining the relationship between lack of Technical and/or Social Awareness and accident involvement with a PTW. Relevant information was obtained from over 700 drivers involved in accidents with PTWs within 9 police divisions in England. This information was compared with responses to a random survey of over 1500 drivers sampled from the same area. The results suggest that some of the variance in accident involvement with PTWs may be accounted for by lack of driver Social and Technical Awareness. These findings have specific implications for the direction of future research and countermeasure development. In particular, rather then a continued emphasis on increasing rider training programmes and restricting rider licensing it is suggested that drivers should also be targeted. It is concluded that using training and education to increase the Social and Technical Awareness of drivers to other road users is a much neglected area for accident prevention effort but an area of high potential effectiveness. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting