Traffic perception and hazard avoidance – Foundations and possibilities for implementation in novice driver preparation

BASt-Bericht M 273b

TÜV | DEKRA arge tp 21 (Hrsg.)
176 Seiten
Erscheinungsjahr: 2017
Preis: 0,00 €

The english report is published on the publication server of BASt ELBA.

The present innovation report describes key topics addressed in the relevant research and development activities of the TÜV | DEKRA arge tp 21 working group during the report period from 2011 to 2014. Such essential aspects were (1) presentation of the scientific foundations for development and assessment of novice driver competence relating to traffic perception and hazard avoidance, (2) evaluation and further development of the theoretical driving test, (3) research and development work aimed at optimisation of the practical driving test, and (4) description of the continuing advances in vehicle engineering and their significance for both driver training and testing.

Re (1): Numerous empirical studies point to the competence deficits displayed by novice drivers compared to more experienced drivers in respect of traffic perception and hazard avoidance. The systematic development and acquisition of corresponding skills in advance of their solo participation in road traffic thus appears promising as a means to reduce novice-typical accident risks. The development of training and test concepts addressing traffic perception and hazard avoidance, however, requires prior description of the underlying psychological constructs. During the report period, the relevant perceptual and traffic psychology foundations were analysed alongside innovative, computer-based approaches which have already been implemented in international driving licence testing and experimental studies from the field of hazard perception research. A further study was conducted to survey teaching and learning offers for novice drivers. The results presented in the report provide a theoretical basis for the future anchoring of traffic perception and hazard avoidance in the system of novice driver preparation. This work must now be continued with the elaboration of innovative learning offers and corresponding assessment tasks for novice drivers.

Re (2): The work on the theoretical driving test referred to the evaluation of individual test items and their assignment to parallel tests, as well as further empirical studies to answer specifically arising questions (e.g. model calculations to enable the elaboration of empirically founded recommendations on optimisa-tion of the test assessment). In 2014, i.e. at the end of the current report period, furthermore, test items based on dynamic situation presentations were used for the first time. The report provides an overview of the preparatory research and development work. Last but not least, initial results from the empirical testing of innovative task formats implementing new forms of response input (keyboard, foot pedal) and performance assessment (reaction time) are discussed. The research and development work outlined in the report illustrates how benefits of the new test medium “computer” have been utilised successfully for a number of years. It is equally evident, however, that significant further potential is embodied in computer-based testing – especially in respect of task development and test design; the objective for the future must be to exploit this potential.

Re (3): The research work on development of the practical driving test was essentially dominated by three projects: The BASt project “Optimisation of the Practical Driving Test” served to elaborate methodical foundations (it began in 2008 and was brought to conclusion during the first year of the report period). The second project was a feasibility study to investigate the practicability of an electronic test report, which was conducted by the TÜV | DEKRA arge tp 21 working group (2011 to 2012). The BASt project “Revision Project on an Optimised Practical Driving Test”, finally, was commenced in 2013 and is sched-uled to continue beyond the current report period into 2015. Its purpose is to continue development of the corresponding contents, methods and procedures (including methods which will enable continuous evaluation). Once ready for actual use, the results are to be tested in selected model regions. Subsequent nationwide implementation of the elaborated standards would ensure that decisions on the eligibility to participate in motorised road traffic are based on a differentiated assessment of driving competence. At the same time, observed competence deficits could be recorded systematically and communicated to the driving license applicant. This can be expected to strengthen the safety-enhancing impact of the practical driving test.

Re (4): Technical innovations in vehicle engineering – whether driver assistance systems, new drive con-cepts (“e-mobility”) or solutions for (partially) automated vehicle control – are entering the market at ever shorter intervals. Such developments bring changes in the demands placed on drivers and thus exert a decisive influence on the acquisition, assessment and upholding of driving competence. The report out-lines the tasks resulting for the Technical Examination Centres in the future.