The aim of this study is to ascertain whether drivers can be trained to perceive hazards. The hazard perception abilities of a group of participants in an advanced driving course were measured both before and after their course of instruction, along with a control group of drivers matched in age and driving experience. Twelve drivers participated. Their ages ranged from 26 to 48 years, with a mean age of 35.25 years. Mean weekly mileage driven was 195.83 miles (range 50 to 650 miles). There were 7 men and 5 women. The mean age of the control group was 35.21 (range 24 to 53); the mean weekly mileage driven was 221.07 (range 10 to 450). There were 9 men and 5 women. The advanced driving course was run by ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). Two Hazard Perception Tests were given, both involving the use of a simulator and paradigm. A simplified simulator was used, which consisted only of a TV monitor and video recorder. The subject views a video of a sequence of various road and traffic situations, some of which are hazardous, and is instructed to press a button immediately a hazard is detected. Subjects underwent a conventional test of reaction time before undertaking the Hazard Reaction Test. Reaction times were recorded for 13 incidents in the first test, and for 16 incidents in test 2. The results indicate that reaction time significantly decreases after training.
Samenvatting