Instructional modules for driver education programs were prepared to improve safe driving knowledge, attitudes, and performances of 16- to 18-year-old drivers. These modules were designed to provide supplementary instruction in five content areas critical to the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles by young drivers--speed management, alcohol, restraint usage, hazard perception (pedestrian and cyclist hazards only), and energy efficient driving. Research activities determined what should be taught and how knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours should be communicated for maximum efficiency. Ten instructional modules were prepared--three in the area of alcohol, four on restraint usage, and one each in the other three content areas. An evaluation of module effectiveness indicated that the speeding module, the restraint modules, and an alcohol module focusing on the need to intervene when others are in drinking-driving situations were capable of improving behaviour. The other two alcohol modules and the fuel-efficiency module improved knowledge and attitudes but failed to induce behavioural change. Neither was behavioural improvement observed in connection with the hazard perception module. (Forty tables and eight figures are provided.)
Samenvatting