Basic methodological issues in the measurement of driver behaviour

The paper begins with a discussion of accident based research into driver behaviour, both to provide an important historical context and to highlight fundamental methodological problems. It then outlines the development of research on the driver as part of a complex, interactive system and highlights a 'second generation' of methodological dilemmas. Finally, it attempts to indicate the research directions and paradigms that might be most profitable in the near future in advancing our knowledge of, and ability to predict, driver behaviour (a).