Volume 2 studies the operational feasibility of the diagnostic assessment of driver problems. Target groups for driver countermeasures are identified from research on diagnostic predictors and performance criteria. A diagnostic assessment model is presented which incorporates assessment techniques that were useful in an operational setting. The…

Seven papers discuss current issues and applied social research concerning alcohol traffic safety. Prevention, policy input, methodology, planning strategies, anti-drinking/driving programs, social-programmatic orientations of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Kansas Driving Under the Influence Law, New Jersey Driving While Impaired Programs,…

This study examined the role of parents in students' early driving experiences and travel as passengers and its effects on students' crash and injury rates. Over 50,000 high school students responded to a questionnaire covering obtaining a license, learning to drive, vehicle access, parental rules, and student attitudes on parental role. (BS)

Before and after a pedestrian training program for preschoolers and their parents, parents displayed better road crossing behavior than their children. After the program, parents provided better examples when crossing with children and gave their children more verbal instructions. Children displayed the trained behaviors more frequently after the…

Effects of using dashboard stickers and signature sheets providing information on safety belt regulations were evaluated among 893 occupants of state-owned vehicles in three Florida agencies. Safety belt use increased significantly during the intervention phase in all three agencies and maintained variable but high levels for five months. (JW)

Nighttime seat belt use by patrons of 10 taverns in two Canadian cities increased following an intervention consisting of police enforcement and the use of signs and posters. Separate observations of daytime seat belt use noted an increase in one city and maintenance at a high level in the other. (JW)

In 3 experiments, the authors simulated air traffic controllers giving pilots navigation instructions of various lengths. Participants either heard or read the instructions; repeated either all, a reduced form, or none of the instructions; and then followed them by clicking on the specified locations in a space represented by grids on a computer…

The project is an independent evaluation of a driver improvement program for unexceptional adult drivers, offered on a pilot basis in 1972-73 by Ford Motor Company to its employees. The program was conducted using four treatment groups which received different amounts of retraining (N=750). It was found that two treatments consisting of several…

For many teens, learning to drive and obtaining a driver's license are exciting achievements,often allowing them more freedom to socialize, work at a job, or participate in other activities without being totally reliant on a parent or others for transportation. This brief provides an overview of relevant data including teen crash rates and trends,…

A study identified behavioral and attitudinal factors influencing the use of child restraints in automobiles. The data suggest that the focus of safety education needs to be aimed at both child and parent acceptance and understanding of the importance of restraint use. (JN)

Evaluates the graduated driver-licensing (GDL) system in New Zealand. Describes driver licensing and crash fatality rates before and after the implementation of GDL in 1987. Reports that GDL has contributed to a reduction in crashes among young people. (Contains 2 figures and 6 references.) (AUTHOR/WFA)

Research suggests that many children have a concept of speed which is counterproductive to sound road crossing decisions. An attempt at conceptual change through the teaching of a unit on speed to grade one children is described. There is optimism that six- to seven-year-old children can apply classroom experiences to real life situations. (Author)

Practicing safety belt use and presenting a skit about it were found to nearly double the rate of belt use among six kindergarten participants who had been inconsistent belt users. Eleven older children and parents of the kindergartners, who watched the play, also increased and subsequently maintained safety belt use. (Author/JDD)

Judgments made by four children between seven and nine years of age regarding the safety of crossing a road in front of an approaching vehicle were studied. All participants consistently allowed smaller safety gaps as vehicle speeds increased, and three children often made potentially dangerous decisions at high vehicle speeds. (Author/PB)

Two studies were performed to determine the relationship between cellular phone use and either reaction time or performance among college students. In the first study 60 undergraduates completed a computerized reaction time test. Mean reaction times were significantly higher when participants were talking on a cellular phone, either handheld or on…