Ah, good, rational suggestions!
Cunobelin wrote:
OR Svenson, O. (1978). Risks of road transportation in a psychological perspective. Accident Analysis and Prevention,10, 4, 267-280.:
Experience itself can undermine competence, rather than enhance it. Because aversive consequences to particular ways of behaving on the road may occur only infrequently, unsafe behaviour may be surreptitiously shaped and lead the driver into traffic situations that demand more than they are able to deliver.
It's completely clear that they are talking about theoretical possibilities rather than practical norms. The insurance insustries response (in the form of reducing premiums) is sound evidence of the value of experience. There's plenty of supporting science too, but I can't see any need to go and collect references.
Cunobelin wrote:
Lund et al. (1986), found that drivers who participated in an 'enhanced driver training programme' were more likely to pass their test than a control group, but were also significantly more likely to be involved in subsequent accidents. Similarly, Lund and Williams (1985) reviewed 14 controlled evaluations of defensive driving courses and concluded that course attendance provided no consistent evidence for an effect on reduced crash involvement.
With no consistent course standards, content or objectives, it's far from surprising that there were no consistent results. A well known problem is that training that delivers primarilly vehicle handling skills tends to lead to increased accident rates as attendees take advantage of their skills and simply drive into trouble at higher speeds.
But far better alternatives exist. Training in observation, anticipation, risk recognition, risk avoidance, common errors, attitudes and self appraisal have all been demonstrated to deliver excellent results.
Cunobelin wrote:
We really only have your opinion on whether you were driving safely and as proven above and by the AA and RAC most drivers over estimate their abilities.
Why not argue it in a court - it would be ineteresting to see the outcome
Argue a speeding offence in court on the basis of safe driving? We're not allowed that option. Speeding is an absolute offence, and proof of safety is no defence.