Re:drive

Reducing risk on our roads

Even though UK roads are among the safest in the world, 1,700 people die and thousands more are seriously injured on them every year.

Driver factors and driver behaviour account for most road collisions in the UK and around the world. Data published by the Department for Transport suggests driver distractions or impairment contributed to 12,246 road traffic collisions in 2022, causing distress to thousands of families and loved ones, draining public services, and causing interruptions and delays for other road users.

NTU research, led by Professor David Crundall, has shown that being able to predict potential dangers is a key skill that could help to prevent collisions on our roads. This is more important than reacting quickly to dangers as they occur.

By helping drivers to be more aware of their environment, David’s research is increasing drivers’ chances of being able to identify and respond to hazards, which could dramatically reduce the number of incidents on our roads. Based on hazard prediction, drivers are invited to watch video clips which stop just as the hazard begins. Next, drivers are asked “What happens next?” out of a choice of on-screen options. This test helps to mitigate flaws in the official UK hazard perception test by addressing issues like subjective scoring and criterion bias. These findings led David and his team to develop more robust tests of driver safety that are preferred by drivers, fairer, and better suited to professional and international driving contexts.

A third of fatalities in the UK involve someone driving for work, so David and his team also focus their attention on developing specialised training and assessments for organisations with employees that drive as part of their role. Through the commercial spin-out company, E-situ Solutions, David provides innovative and bespoke training and assessment to a range of external organisations, such as the East Midlands Ambulance service, and fleet companies.

Through workshops and practical insights provided by the spin-out company, David has facilitated organisations in making informed decisions and fostering staff development. Additionally, the training initiatives have resulted in tangible cost savings for participating organisations. For instance, one client company’s recognition by insurance underwriters resulted in a reduction in insurance premiums greater than the costs of buying in E-situ’s training and assessments.

NTU research is changing how people are trained to avoid hazards on the road. By introducing new, evidence-based methods and materials to teach different types of road users how to stay safe, NTU research is helping to make a lasting difference in reducing the number of road collisions over time. Any life saved is a saving of £2 million to the UK economy, and the research furthers the UK’s move towards Vision Zero (zero deaths on UK roads).

Professor David Crundall is the REF coordinator for Psychology and plays a leading role in shaping the research strategy of the Department of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University.

Find out more about David's research

Safety and Security of Citizens and Society

This research is drawn from the strategic research theme of Safety and Security of Citizens and Society.

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The Transport Research in Psychology (TRiP) group

The Transport Research in Psychology (TRiP) group undertakes award-winning research with the aim of helping reduce injuries and fatalities on our roads. Research specialisms include hazard perception, driver-safety training interventions, development of visual skills, simulation and cognitive underpinnings of driving expertise.

Explore the research group in more detail