This paper describes the development, over three years, of the Learner Driver Questionnaire (LDQ) which is designed to identify driver attributes known to be related to the accident likelihood of an individual. The questionnaire was based partly upon research carried out on behalf of the AA Foundation for Road Safety Research. This research explored the factors that determine young peoples' attitudes towards driving and identified those that explained the differences evident in their driving behaviour. Development of the LDQ was aided by earlier research into a "Young Drivers' Attitude Scale" by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety in the USA. After several pilot trials and extensive analysis of the results, the questionnaire has been synthesised to 48 questions - comprising six "categories" of attitude relating to driving: speeding; safety; risk-taking; other road users; self esteem; and on-board influences. Upon completion of the questionnaire each respondent is provided with a printed attitude profile showing those categories where they could be "at risk" in comparison to other drivers. The respondent is then given corrective advice tailored to their particular needs as identified by the profile. The computerised version gives corrective advice by means of an interactive learning program while a manual exists for instructors using the paper version. The LDQ exists in both a computerised and a pencil and paper form and is a significant aid to young driver education. Plans are well advanced for the distribution of the LDQ to all secondary schools in Britain as part of a government initiative.
Samenvatting