Speed awareness courses are considered to be an acceptable alternative to punishment among the general public in the UK. The number of these courses is increasing, as is their potential to be a major health intervention. Whether the course content should address other aspects of driver behaviour apart from speed is discussed. A total of 10, 057 drivers attending speed awareness courses participated in research. A computer assessment was used to provided a driver risk profile. Speed choice was correlated with the high-risk behaviours close following, violations, being asleep at the wheel and poor hazard perception. These effects were not markedly affected by controlling for age and mileage. It is suggested that training in hazard perception may influence speed choice. Feedback on close following could be provided using in-car and roadside measures. Widening the scope of speed awareness courses is considered desirable to maximise the safety benefits. For the covering abstract see ITRD E138063.
Samenvatting