Driver offender courses in selected European countries

Abstract

This paper summarizes the current situation in eleven European countries in the field of driver offender courses. As a background, driver behaviour models are presented, followed by the description of behaviour, performance, and personality factors as contributory factors to crashes, risky driver behaviour, and groups of risky drivers. Selected enforcement and rehabilitation models are listed. Data was collected using a questionnaire, which was elaborated on the basis of the opinions of experts discussed at international expert workshops. The study covered a total sample of eleven participants – TPI members representing each country. The data was analyzed systematically using a modified version of the Editing Analysis Style and thematic analysis as a tool for pattern recognition across qualitative data. The results are presented according to different countries and their specifics, followed by a summary of common approaches and groups of countries with the same approaches. The most common driver improvement courses are those for deviant drivers (dealing with drivers’ bad habits) and for drivers who drove under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Driver improvement courses are obligatory in six out of the eleven countries, while in three countries they are optional. We conclude that it must be ensured that there are no negative side effects and that the courses lead to benefits for the public. Therefore, all driver improvement courses must be driven by theory and evidence and designed to avoid overconfidence and increased risk exposure – risky behaviour should be normalized and evaluated.