THE MENTOR SYSTEM: HOW PROMISING IS IT? ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS OF A MENTOR SYSTEM AS INTEGRATED PART OF THE DAMAGE PREVENTION POLICY OF TRANSPORT COMPANIES

HET MENTORSYSTEEM: VEELBELOVEND? VOOR- EN NADELEN EN PRAKTISCHE IMPLICATIES VAN EEN MENTORSYSTEEM ALS INTEGRAAL ONDERDEEL VAN HET SCHADEPREVENTIEBELEID VAN VERVOERSMAATSCHAPPIJEN

This report considers a mentor system as a periodical examination of all the drivers including novice drivers, in the following fields: driving skill, safe driving behaviour, and customer awareness. The practical consequences of a mentor system for Dutch transport companies are studied. Interviews that are not structured in advance were conducted among experienced drivers and representatives of a number of important parties involved. The results of the interviews about the possible introduction of a mentor system show that a guidance system offers optimal returns (low damage pattern, reduced absenteeism, and fuel consumption). An essential condition for this is that the company culture is based on mutual respect and good cooperation at all levels. However, a mentor system as a separate element of a quality policy which is only aimed at taking driving skill tests, offers less return. The 'added value' of a mentor system for transport companies will be mainly of economic significance. Companies with a strongly developed safety ethos and practice, or companies that act with environmental awareness, already apply a form of guidance system and hence exhibit a damage picture that lies far below the national average. The 'added value' for road safety may still be achieved through improvements in their system.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institute for Road Safety Research, SWOV

  Bezuidenhoutseweg 62
  The Hague,   Netherlands  2594 AW
• Authors:
  • Lindeijer, J E
• Publication Date: 1995

Language

• Dutch

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 83 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: R-95-55

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Driver training; Drivers; Driving; Economic efficiency; Education; Interviewing; Jobs; Loss and damage; Motor skills; Policy; Prevention; Safety; Transportation
• Geographic Terms: Netherlands
• ITRD Terms: 2267: Attitude (psychol); 1614: Damage; 1772: Driver; 1571: Driver training; 1855: Driving (veh); 237: Economic efficiency; 2284: Education; 9147: Interview; 8078: Netherlands; 2271: Occupation; 173: Policy; 9149: Prevention; 1665: Safety; 2205: Skill (road user); 1155: Transport
• Subject Areas: Policy; Safety and Human Factors; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00723010
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Institute for Road Safety Research, SWOV
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jul 26 1996 12:00AM