Evaluation of the Reducing Aggressive Driving Program (RAD)

Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned ReportResearch

Abstract

With the support and collaboration of the ACT Road-Safety Fund, the research team developed the prototype Reducing Aggressive Driving
program (RAD). The RAD is a behaviour change program designed to reduce aggression in drivers. The RAD focuses on instilling knowledge, as
well as modifying the key psychological aspects motivating driver behaviour. The key behaviour modification techniques used to motivate safer onroad behaviour include feedback, goal setting and group discussion. The aim of this project was to evaluate the RAD program and its effectiveness
in reducing anger and aggressive driving. Ten two-hour RAD sessions were delivered via zoom between April and June, 2021 with a total of 5 to 14
participants in each. Overall, 94 drivers (Mean age = 38 years; 38% drove in the ACT) completed one RAD session. Process evaluation showed a
high degree of support for the RAD, with 87% of participants saying it helped them generate realistic strategies to avoid aggressive driving. The
effectiveness of these strategies was measured via online questionnaires regarding anger tendencies and aggressive behaviours one month, and
four months after the RAD. Scores for these were compared to baseline measures taken before participation in the RAD. A total of 67 participants
completed both follow up measures (28% attrition). Self-reported anger and aggression decreased after the RAD and this effect remained
significant at the four month follow up. Thus, providing evidence of the RAD in reducing these dangerous behaviours. Further research is needed to
objectively measure changes in behaviour and to support broader roll-out of the RAD.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationMelbourne Vic Australia
PublisherMUARC
Commissioning bodyAustralian Capital Territory Government
Number of pages48
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781925413304
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2021

Publication series

NameMUARC Report Series
PublisherMUARC
No.360
ISSN (Electronic)1835-4815

Keywords

  • Anger
  • Aggression
  • Reducing Aggressive Driving
  • Behaviour Change

Cite this