Developing and evaluating a theoretically grounded novice driver education program incorporating simulators

Australian young drivers are 13 per cent of the population but account for nearly a quarter of road deaths. This project will develop a research informed, theory-driven intervention that includes a simulator component to improve their driving skills and attitudes. A process and outcome evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the training including the impact on how individuals learn to drive, changes in skill and attitudes as well as the influence on crashes and offences. A second, parallel study, will adapt the intervention for indigenous Australians and examine the effectiveness of this adaptation. By doing this, the project aims to improve access by new drivers to driving practice while they are on a learner licence and reduce deaths and injuries within this high risk group.

Project Leader

Dr Lyndel Bates

Project Team

De Gregoire Larue (Queensland University of Technology); Dr Ashleigh Filtness (Queensland University of Technology and Loughborough University); Professor Barry Watson (Queensland University of Technology and Global Road Safety Partnership); Ms Sharlene Makin (Roadcraft); Mr Samuel Bailey (Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Industry Partners

Roadcraft Driver Training and Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

Project Value

$278,000

Type of Funding

Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project

Dates

2015 - 2018

Theme/s

Developmental and Life Course Criminology and Prevention Science; Crime Pathways and Patterns