Measures for novice drivers: the EU-project DAN
In the course of the EU-project “DAN“ - Description and analysis of post licensing measures for novice drivers, measures for the reduction of the disproportionately high accident rate of novice drivers were analysed. As a first step, all measures for novice drivers implemented in the EU countries and Switzerland were described.
- On the one hand these are measures obligatory by law, such as the probational driving licence including Driver Improvement Courses (Austria, Germany), a second training phase with track training/skid courses (Luxemburg) or with additional driving lessons in road traffic as a basis for individual feedback (Finland), as well as specific restrictive measures such as speed limits, 0.01% blood alcohol concentration, etc.;
- On the other hand there are also voluntary measures (track training, additional practical training lessons).
As a second step, evaluative studies of specific measures (if any) were judged, expert workshops held, and the measures rated in the light of a theoretical model of a “good driver”. This is a hierarchical-level-model, where vehicle operation constitutes the lowest level, followed by control over difficult driving situations, then influences by the respective purpose of the trip. The highest level is the drivers´ personality and attitudes. Deficiencies on a higher level cannot be compensated by skills on a lower level.
