The Influence of Immediate Feedback From In-Vehicle Telematics on the Driving Behaviour of Young People

Young drivers are among the most overrepresented drivers in terms of road traffic fatalities, especially young males. With young driver fatalities trending upwards in recent times in Australia, intervention is critical. This study considered the use of immediate feedback from an in-vehicles telematics device to improve young drivers’ behaviour. In total, 37 participants aged 18-28 years had a telematics device installed in their vehicles. Braking behaviour was monitored over two months using a validated braking score. During the first month, participants in both groups received no immediate telematics feedback on their driving behaviour, only post-trip feedback. In the second month this continued for the control group, but the intervention group also received immediate feedback during their drive. Linear Mixed Modelling (LMM) was used to determine whether the immediate feedback had a significant influence on braking scores. The interaction effect between month (first or second month) and group (control or intervention) was tested, with the braking scores of both groups deteriorating in the second month of driving. However, this deterioration was significantly larger for the control group. Driving Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) scores and trip distance were also significant. Better braking scores were associated with participants with better DBQ scores as well as longer trips. While the results show some promise, it is recommended that studies with larger sample sizes and a greater variety of outcome measures be used to confirm the benefits of immediate feedback from in-vehicle telematics.