COST-EFFECTIVE DRIVER IMPROVEMENT TREATMENT IN PENNSYLVANIA

A written examination developed as one level of a multitiered driver improvement pilot program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) was found in a 1-year evaluation period to result in significant reductions in accident and violation involvement rates and a cost savings of at least $150,000 per year relative to prior interventions by PennDOT. The examination and accompanying handbook provided to operators at the 6-point level of negligence conveyed the message that unsafe driving behaviors resulting in accidents and convictions reflect inappropriate choices for particular traffic scenarios and communicated the importance of individuals choosing to avoid specific behaviors that increase accident risk through real-world examples of familiar problem driving situations. Treatment development, administration, and evaluation activities are described.