VALIDATION OF IN-CAR OBSERVATIONS, A METHOD FOR DRIVER ASSESSMENT

This study investigates the validity and reliability of the in-car observation method for observing driver behavior, and seeks to establish the relationship between the studied variables and traffic safety. It also aims to establish a standardized procedure for training the observers. First, three observers were training in the observation method and on-road observations were carried out. Their observations were then compared with a key representing a correct observation. After practicing the observation method, the observers showed a high correlation with the key. To establish whether the test drivers drove in their normal style during the in-car observations, comparisons of 238 spot-speed measurements were carried out. Drivers\u27 speeds when driving their own private cars were compared with their speeds during the in-car observations. The analysis showed that the drivers drove in the same way while being observed as they did normally. Findings also showed that it is possible to train observers to reliably register behavioral data. A review of the literature shows that any observed changes in the studied variables are important from a safety perspective