BRAKE is based on extensive research
International, National and State research has highlighted the high level of involvement of novice drivers in motor vehicle crashes.
In Australia, research has identified that novice drivers represent about 12% of licensed drivers, yet represent close to 30% of fatality crashes (double). Research has also shown that the first six months after obtaining a license is the most dangerous period, with researchers estimating the dangers of being involved in a serious crash range from 2 to 33 times more than that of other drivers.
International, National and State contemporary research has identified that the over representation is attributable to a number of causal factors, the major ones being lack of suitable: experience, risk assessment, behaviour, attitudes and knowledge.
Also of note is that this age group is most likely to be driving during high risk times of weekends and nigh timet due to their lifestyles.
The role of other kinds of driver training
Research also indicates that traditional approaches such as advanced and defensive driving courses may not work for young drivers, and may be causing more harm than good.
These courses should not be confused with ‘Insight’ type driving courses which are still receiving research attention – although researchers argue that any off-road training is not suitable, Insight Driver Training included.
FEAR campaigns - do they actually work?
Research, lead by Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q) based in the Queensla
nd University of Technology, identifies that fear campaigns do not work, nor perhaps does scaring or shocking our young people.
This is due to the ‘defensive mechanism’ of humans to deal with fright. A further argument of researchers is that these messages may be simply reinforcing beliefs of people already committed to road safety.
These types of messages may also reinforce optimism bias, fundamental attribution error and third person bias effects for young drivers.
Mental attitudes that significantly increase driver risk
Optimism bias can be said to be where a person underestimates higher risks whilst overestimating lower risks or their ability.
Fundamental Attribution Error is where a driver views another person's error as internally influenced, for example another driver makes an error simply because they can’t drive properly, whereas if they make the same mistake themselves it is externally influenced, that is, they could do nothing about it.
Third person bias addresses the issues where a person believes the message/presentation is good and will have an effect – but for others who need it, not themselves.
Fundamental attribution error and third person bias are arguably quite common in relation to driving, but particularly so for young drivers.
Research results on becoming a fully competent driver
Research highlights that young drivers lack the cognitive, perceptive and visual skills to be competent drivers and these areas need specific focus.
Research also highlights the frailities of lectures from supposed ‘experts’ who have no emotional connection with the participants and presentations that may lack consistency, substance and direction. Other researchers highlight the significant community issue of young drivers and advocate engagement of the community to help resolve the issue.
Research also argues that highlighting consequences (to reinforce that they do happen and the need to avoid them) does not necessarily teach young people ‘how’ to actually avoid the problem, what they need to do and how they do it. This is supported by research arguing that unconscious thought over-rides conscious thought if one is not permanently focusing on the task at hand.
Young drivers need the experience to become ‘unconsciously competent’, which is achieved and developed over many years of driving experience. Once poor driving skills become habit, they are difficult to overcome or replace with good skills.
Traditional driver education programs also do not work, according to significant research. Such programs suffer quickly from time-decay effects and have been highlighted as not producing bottom-line reductions in the road toll for young drivers.