‘Scare tactics’ don’t work for learner drivers

21 January 2021

University of Antwerp in partnership with the University of Southampton and the University of Warwick conducted a study to determine the usefulness of ‘scare tactics’ in teaching learner drivers. We at Marshall Minibus leasing are pleased to see steps being taken to improve the education of learner drivers and improve road safety.

Of the 146 participants, half were shown a video of a positive scene, in which a driver asked passengers not to distract him and went on to reach his destination without issue. The other half were shown a video of a car crash, caused by a driver distracted by passengers.

The two groups also took the Vienna Risk-Taking Test-Traffic in which they were shown clips of driving situations that require a driver reaction, such as considering whether to overtake the vehicle ahead in icy conditions.

These tests were conducted using both a 2D screen, as well as virtual reality (VR).

The participants were then given a questionnaire to measure their attitudes towards unsafe driving, the results of which concluded that participants shown the ‘positive’ outcome were less likely to drive dangerously than those shown the ‘negative’ outcome. 

Interestingly, the results also showed that the VR films were more successful in decreasing thoughts of dangerous driving than the 2D clips. 

Dr Clara Cutello of the University of Antwerp said, “Our results provide key insights about the role of positive versus fear-framed messages in tackling risky driving among young drivers.

“They show that allowing the participants to experience what proactive behaviours can lead to and giving them the illusions that the events occurring are authentic through VR, can encourage the creation of positive role models and strategies to be safer on the roads.”

The results of VR proving more impactful than 2D screens is a positive to take away from the research, as VR is set to play a bigger role in the education of learner drivers, such as VR hazard perception tests.

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To find out more about our minibus leasing services, please contact us on 01480 220444 or email info@marshall-minibus.co.uk. 

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