Abstract
The Road Trauma Awareness Seminar (RTAS) is a short, non-treatment based offender program which aims to bring about attitude and behavioural change, and reduce recidivism and hence road trauma. The aim of this project was to explore the current best practice literature in the field of behaviour change programs and evaluation methods considered comparable to the RTAS program in order to inform recommendations to enhance the current RTAS program.
Overall, the findings of the review showed that research exploring driving behaviour changes based on crash and/or re-offence rates following attendance at this type of program, typically has not identified significant positive effects. Limited relevant research and a number of methodological issues have contributed to this finding. However, when viewed as a program aimed at providing participants with insight into the risks associated with high risk driving behaviours, such as facing further sanctions or serious injury or fatal crash involvement, this type of program has been found to be a low-cost user-pays option.
More specifically, this report identified numerous key points pertaining to: methodological challenges associated with conducting representative evaluations, non-homogenous participant populations, development of key messages, and participant engagement. Furthermore, the importance of ongoing reviews into the program content and structure is highlighted to ensure that newly evolving behaviour change strategies are incorporated as well as adopting the most contemporary and engaging methods to present and deliver the program. The forms and evaluation surveys currently used for the RTAS have been reviewed and suggestions for improvement made.
This report provides information relevant to traffic offender and education programs that can be used to enhance the current program content and delivery mode of the RTAS as well as being a valuable reference for the development of a contemporary program to cater for “hoon” offenders.
Overall, the findings of the review showed that research exploring driving behaviour changes based on crash and/or re-offence rates following attendance at this type of program, typically has not identified significant positive effects. Limited relevant research and a number of methodological issues have contributed to this finding. However, when viewed as a program aimed at providing participants with insight into the risks associated with high risk driving behaviours, such as facing further sanctions or serious injury or fatal crash involvement, this type of program has been found to be a low-cost user-pays option.
More specifically, this report identified numerous key points pertaining to: methodological challenges associated with conducting representative evaluations, non-homogenous participant populations, development of key messages, and participant engagement. Furthermore, the importance of ongoing reviews into the program content and structure is highlighted to ensure that newly evolving behaviour change strategies are incorporated as well as adopting the most contemporary and engaging methods to present and deliver the program. The forms and evaluation surveys currently used for the RTAS have been reviewed and suggestions for improvement made.
This report provides information relevant to traffic offender and education programs that can be used to enhance the current program content and delivery mode of the RTAS as well as being a valuable reference for the development of a contemporary program to cater for “hoon” offenders.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Monash University |
| Commissioning body | Road Trauma Support Services Victoria |
| Number of pages | 67 |
| Publication status | Published - May 2013 |
Keywords
- RTAS, education program, diversion program, traffic offender