Purpose
Poor hazard anticipation skills are a risk factor associated with high motor
vehicle crash rates of young drivers. A number of programs have been developed to
improve these skills. The purpose of this review was to assess the empirical literature
on hazard anticipation training for young drivers.
Methods
Studies were included if they: 1) included an assessment of hazard anticipation
training outcomes; 2) were published between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 2013 in an
English language peer-reviewed journal or conference proceeding; and 3) included at
least one group that uniquely comprised a cohort of participants <21 years.
Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria.
Results
Studies used a variety of training methods including interactive computer
programs, videos, simulation, commentary driving, or a combination of approaches.
Training effects were predominantly measured through computer-based testing and driving
simulation with eye tracking. Four studies included an on-road evaluation. Most studies
evaluated short-term outcomes (immediate or few days). In all studies, young drivers
showed improvement in selected hazard anticipation outcomes, but none investigated crash
effects.
Conclusions
Although there is promise in existing programs, future research should include
long-term follow up, evaluate crash outcomes, and assess the optimal timing of hazard
anticipation training taking into account the age and experience level of young
drivers.
Founded in 1947, the AAA Foundation in Washington, D.C. is a not-for-profit, publicly supported charitable research and education organization dedicated to saving lives by preventing traffic crashes and reducing injuries when crashes occur. Funding for this report was provided by voluntary contributions from AAA/CAA and their affiliated motor clubs, from individual members, from AAA-affiliated insurance companies, as well as from other organizations or sources. This publication is distributed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety at no charge, as a public service. It may not be resold or used for commercial purposes without the explicit permission of the Foundation. It may, however, be copied in whole or in part and distributed for free via any medium, provided the AAA Foundation is given appropriate credit as the source of the material. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily those of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety or of any individual who reviewed this publication. The AA Foundation for Traffic Safety assumes no liability for the use or misuse of any information, opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations contained in this publication If trade or manufacture's names are mentioned, it is only because they are considered essential to the object of this report and their mention should not be constructed as an endorsement. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety does not endorse products or manufacturers. iv
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