THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGH SCHOOL DRIVER EDUCATION: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The purpose of this report is to provide the traffic safety community with an updated, comprehensive review of the driver education literature. Research studies on the Classroom and Laboratory phases of driver education programs were assessed to determine whether driver education and specific training techniques were effective accident deterrents. The Laboratory phase was treated extensively in order to report on the effectiveness of training techniques most widely used: Behind-the-wheel, Simulator, and Range. Secondary objectives of the study were to assess other possible contributions of driver education to traffic safety and to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different Laboratory training techniques. Findings and conclusions from this study were as follows: 1. Of all the instructional techniques reviewed, only the Classroom phase has been shown to be an effective accident countermeasure; 2. There is no evidence that any component of the Laboratory phase (Behind- the-Wheel Simulator, or Range instruction) is effective in reducing accidents; 3. Both the Classroom and Laboratory phases make a positive contribution to safe driving skills, knowledge, and attitudes, and prepare students to take state drivers tests; 4. Simulator and Range programs are no less effective than On-Street, Behind-the-Wheel programs; therefore, choices between these teching techniques should be guided by their comparative costs; 5. If driver training is to be retained in Illinois schools, future studies should seek to identify less costly means of providing this training; 6. Because driver training has not been shown to be an effective accident deterrent, additional funds should be made available for exploratory research on alternative programs to promote traffic safety and safe driving.

• Corporate Authors:

  Illinois Department of Transportation

  Division of Traffic Safety, 2300 South Dirksen Parkway
  Springfield, IL  United States  62764
• Authors:
  • Kersey, E R
• Publication Date: 1976-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver training; Driving simulators; High schools; Measures of effectiveness; Prevention; Safety; Traffic safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00142877
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Report/Paper Numbers: Res. Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 22 1976 12:00AM