An evaluation of a predriver training program using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)

1. BACKGROUND
The Youth Driver Development Program has been operating for 8 years, targeting high school students (aged 15/16 yrs). The program delivers driving skills while raising safety and awareness in participants.  Evaluation of within participant changes on risky driving (Deery & Love 1996) and TPB measures (attitude, subjective norm, PBC) was conducted in 2004.  Intention to drink drive, speed, drive tired and use a mobile phone while driving were investigated.

2. AIMS
Aims included a test of the TPB in a predriver population and information to alert program managers to best training options to maximise outcomes.

3. SAMPLE
186 year 11 high school students from both public and private schools in the South West of Western Australia.

4. METHOD
Within participant pre-post research design.

5. RESULTS
Deery & Love (1996) scores revealed significant reductions pre to post program for females and no significant difference for males, suggesting reduced risk levels for some participants.  Intention to enact was reduced across all four behaviors, although there were gender differences.  Regression analyses revealed that attitude was the main predictor of intention.  Increased variance in intention was accounted for post program supporting issue of familiarity with behavior being important for change.

6. CONCLUSION
The TPB is a useful evaluation tool and produced results in this population consistent with other research.  Familiarity produced greater amounts of variance accounted for in intention.  The YDDP appears to have the ability to reduce the intention of predrivers for risky driving behaviors.