Our Approach to Reducing Driver Risk
The Causes of Road Risk
It is well established that driver behaviour is the principal cause of crashes. Cranfield University research shows that the highest risk behaviours include aggression, thrill seeking, low hazard monitoring, ineffective coping strategies and susceptibility to fatigue.
Identify Driving Risk
The first step to reducing the risks associated with driving for work is to identify which drivers are at highest risk and why. To be confident that the results of the assessment are accurate, fleet managers need to select a measurement tool that has been rigorously developed and proven to predict driver behaviour.
Based on over 20 years of academic research, the Driver Risk Index™ is the most scientifically validated tool for assessing driver risk commercially available. Act to Reduce Driving Risk Every driver who completes the Driver Risk Index™ has the opportunity to receive an instant comprehensive 6 page feedback report detailing their individual driving risk factors. The feedback report offers tailored advice on reducing these individual risk levels. The Driver Risk Index™ feedback report is an intervention in itself by encouraging each driver to reflect on their behaviour behind the wheel.
Act to Reduce Risk
Individual drivers who have been identified by the Driver Risk Index™ as having a predisposition towards the highest situational and behavioural risk factors may significantly benefit from targeted driver training, coaching and education. These interventions can take place in-vehicle, in driving simulators, in classroom-based workshops or via Driver Risk Index+ ™ e-learning. Contact us for details.
Our Methodology
Our methodology for improving driver safety informs a three stage solution to impact driver behaviours and reduce accident risk.
1. Identify – driver risk using the Driver Risk Index™ and focus on the specific contributing behavioural and situational factors using a scientifically validated assessment
2. Review – implement and evaluate your driver safety management strategy with our comprehensive Management Information System.
3. Act – Address at-risk driver behaviour and improve safety with a range of interventions tailored to the Driver Risk Index™ results.
The Science Behind the Driver Risk Index™
Psychometrics is the science of measuring human qualities such as traits, abilities and skills using established psychological principles. Psychometric assessments are widely used to assist decision making in selection and training. The Driver Risk Index™ uses psychometric principles to assess the thoughts, feelings and behaviours underlying driver risk. Drivers’ scores are referenced against benchmarks from a comparable norm group.
The Driver Risk Index™ is used to identify driver coaching needs to mitigate risk contributed to by driver behaviour. Research underpinning the development of the Driver Risk Index™ started in 1985 and in that time has been scientifically validated and continues to be a topic of research and development today. Research has shown that the instrument is reliable over time and predictive of many components of driving behaviour such as crash involvement, responses to hazards, vehicle positioning and speed.
A full list of publications referencing the Driver Risk Index™ is available.
The Driver Risk Index has been used by Suffolk County Council to support our work with various road user groups since 2007. It has enabled us to highlight individual differences regarding levels of risk within a wider target group so that, when used in conjunction with appropriate coaching methods, risk reduction strategies can be employed effectively and efficiently. Michelle Haward, Senior Road Safety Officer, Suffolk County Council