Evaluating the skills of Queensland’s P1 drivers has become a whole lot easier, thanks to an innovative computer-based test developed by a UQ researcher.
Dr Mark Horswill, from the School of Psychology, has created a video-based hazard perception test that measures a driver’s ability to recognise and appropriately respond to potentially dangerous situations while driving.
Dr Horswill said the test, which Queensland Transport introduced in July this year, would help lower the road toll.
“Given that every road fatality costs Australia $1.8 million, even marginal improvements will have major economic benefits, in addition to the obvious personal and social impact,” he said.
Approximately 7000 drivers per month take the test and must pass it in order to proceed from a P1 to a P2 licence.
The test consists of a series of video clips that present various traffic scenes containing potential traffic conflicts that require the user to take action, such as braking, overtaking or changing course.
The user’s hazard perception skills are assessed by clicking the mouse on one of the potential traffic conflicts displayed in each video clip.
Dr Horswill is developing a video-based hazard perception training package, which will be sent to all new drivers in Queensland with the aim of improving their hazard perception skill.
In addition to the video-based hazard perception test, Dr Horswill has recently published work in leading American journal Optometry and Vision Science.
His research suggests that the reason drivers adopt smaller safety margins when pulling out in front of motorcyclists is partly due to an optical illusion called the size-arrival effect, in which smaller objects are perceived to arrive later than larger objects. (View a UK advertisement based on Dr Horswill's research here.)
In recognition of Dr Horswill’s research, he was presented with an Innovation Award from the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the Institute for Social Science Research in September.
The innovation award recognises the efforts of a researcher who has ensured that their research is translated into benefits for the broader community beyond academia.
Media: Helen Battle at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (07 3346 9279)
