Assessment of Hazard Perception Skill in Drivers

Young novice drivers are one of the most risky
groups in terms of accident involvement. This can be
partly explained by novice drivers undeveloped
hazard perception skill, which is broadly defined as
the ability to anticipate road situations that are
caused by the interaction of multiple road users. In
addition to poor skills related to perceiving
hazards, some age-related personality factors, such
as high levels of sensation seeking, may interfere
with perceived levels of risk associated with
particular hazards.

This study focuses on the links between hazard
perception, personality factors and driving skills.
A computer-based hazard perception test was
developed that consisted of real-life video clips
that assessed major road hazards. In addition, a
short hazard perception scale was used to be able to
compare self-reported and computer-based hazard
perception scores.

Results were discussed on the basis of predictors
and correlates of hazard perception.

Autorentext

Ayça Berfu Ünal has been working as a PhD at the Experimental and Work Psychology Group in the University of Groningen, the Netherlands.Nebi Sümer is a Professor of Social Psychology at Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.

Klappentext

Young novice drivers are one of the most risky groups in terms of accident involvement. This can be partly explained by novice drivers undeveloped hazard perception skill, which is broadly defined as the ability to anticipate road situations that are caused by the interaction of multiple road users. In addition to poor skills related to perceiving hazards, some age-related personality factors, such as high levels of sensation seeking, may interfere with perceived levels of risk associated with particular hazards. This study focuses on the links between hazard perception, personality factors and driving skills. A computer-based hazard perception test was developed that consisted of real-life video clips that assessed major road hazards. In addition, a short hazard perception scale was used to be able to compare self-reported and computer-based hazard perception scores. Results were discussed on the basis of predictors and correlates of hazard perception.