Evaluation of a Training Intervention to Improve Novice Drivers Hazard Mitigation when Approaching Left Turn Scenarios

Introduction Summary

Rear-end collisions remain a critical traffic safety issue. This research sought to develop a comprehensive understanding of human driving behavior when approaching a lead vehicle (LV), especially in scenarios with a high risk of rear-end impact.

The Left-Turn-Across-Path-Opposite-Direction (LTAP-OD) crash type is a major concern, accounting for nearly 30% of serious crashes among newly licensed teen drivers. Per mile traveled, teen drivers (ages 16-19) are approximately two times more likely than experienced drivers (ages 35-38) to be involved in a fatal crash involving opposite-direction travel. This high crash rate is not attributed to slow reaction time, but rather to deficiencies in vigilance, anticipation, and mitigation. Experienced drivers typically exhibit anticipatory glances and slow down earlier when approaching known crash locations, whereas novice drivers tend to maintain higher speeds. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program designed to address these cognitive failures.

Methodology Summary

This study implemented a controlled, rule-based training intervention called Anticipation-Control-Terminate (ACT). The training program focuses on how to look out for the eight most common fatal crash scenarios, which collectively account for 71% of all fatal crash types.

The research involved 36 newly licensed novice drivers (ages 16-17) who were randomly divided into two groups:

• ACT Training Group: Participants completed a program consisting of practice, pretest, training/mediation, and posttest modules. The training utilized a video game platform where drivers selected where to look (glance), where to steer, and when to slow down in high-risk scenarios. Their choices were then compared to the optimal choices made by a control group of exemplary experienced drivers (ages 26-61 with no recent crashes or violations).
• Placebo Training Group: This group engaged in non-driving-related tasks, such as reaction time tests and defining street signs, serving as a control.

Both groups were then evaluated in a driving simulator using left turn scenarios, specifically focusing on an obstructed view scenario (Intersection 1) where a truck in the left lane blocked the view of opposing traffic. The main measures of effectiveness were the frequency of anticipatory glances and the percentage of drivers who slowed to the target speed before the intersection.

Results Summary

The analysis demonstrated that the ACT training program was effective at improving hazard mitigation and speed management strategies among novice drivers.

In the high-risk, obstructed-view scenario (Intersection 1), ACT-trained drivers displayed a higher rate of anticipatory glances at the critical time points (4, 6, and 7 seconds before the intersection) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, 67% of ACT-trained drivers successfully slowed to the target speed, compared to only 39% of placebo-trained drivers.

The most critical finding related to safety outcomes: the overall crash rate for the placebo group was approximately 72% (13 out of 18 drivers). In contrast, among the ACT-trained drivers who successfully adopted both critical behaviors (both glanced and slowed to the target speed), the crash rate was only 10% (1 out of 10). The crash rate for ACT-trained drivers who failed to use both strategies was 62.5%. This success suggests that the benefits of the ACT training showed a transfer of learning to new, untrained test scenarios.

References Cited

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2016). Hazard Awareness and Perception Training Program for Novice Teen Drivers (DOT HS 812 235). Washington, D.C.
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