Actitudes del profesorado de formación vial en formación para educar personas conductoras con riesgo cero

Abstract

There is little research available regarding the attitudes of driver instructors. Road traffic accident data indicate a need for research on the role of this professional group in driver training, as training is internationally recognised as an essential tool for improving road safety. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate predispositions towards the teaching of safe driving (EPRECONS) in a sample of 378 trainee driving instructors. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined (reliability and content, discriminant and structural validity) through exploratory factor analysis). All factors contributed towards explaining the dependent variable, however, the most explanatory variables were “risk anticipation”, “safe driving practice” and “controlling social risk”. Some differences emerged as a function of sex. Specifically, predispositions towards training safe drivers in men was explained mainly by the “safe driving practice” factor, whilst, in the case of women, this was explained mainly by the “risk anticipation” factor. No significant sex differences were found in relation to predispositions towards training low risk drivers. Significant differences only emerged in regards to two factors. Firstly, in the case of “alcohol and driving”, women presented greater rigour regarding safety, whilst, in the case of “transmission of feelings”, women showed a greater capacity than men to transmit feelings. Outcomes suggest that notable advancements have taken place in terms of the design of training actions related with driving instructors. Findings should be considered when planning the teaching models that underly initial driver education in order to favouring a reduction in accidents and progress towards zero risk driving.