The gap between the intention to be an attentive driver and the act of being one was mapped using the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) framework. Based on the insights, an intervention was developed with more than 200 participants divided into two groups over an eight-week period. All participants answered a questionnaire before and after the experiment and were asked to write down what and how they would manage to stop one specific, self-chosen distraction in the car.
“I have told others about what I participated in, which has inspired change among those closest to me.”
Participant
The results showed a significant improvement in the participants' attention, especially in the test group that received SMS reminders. A key finding was that participants in both groups actively adopted new strategies, such as using voice control instead of holding their mobile phones. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration used the results to create a new, national campaign aiming to get even more people to become more attentive drivers.
The study has limitations related to self-reporting, a potentially over-represented motivated sample, and a limited time period for measuring lasting behavioral change. However, these caveats were mitigated through valid methods and thorough analyses, meaning the results provide a strong indication. A follow-up study is planned to measure the long-term effect.
