What’s your driver risk index?

DriverMetrics unique Driver Risk Index (DRI), developed by academics at Cranfield University’s Driving Research Group to scientifically assess a driver’s risk can now be accessed online. The DRI is designed to reduce the risk of road traffic accidents for which human factors are known to be a main contributor.

The Driver Risk Index helps reduce the risk of individuals being involved in traffic accidents, by providing drivers with a fascinating insight into their strengths and weaknesses as a driver and giving them the opportunity to change their approach to driving. Any driver can now find out their personal DRI profile by logging onto the secure Driver Risk Index website www.DriverMetrics.co.uk and completing a psychometric driver risk assessment, revealing attitudes and behaviours that underlie their driver risk.

Dr Lisa Dorn and her colleagues have spent 20 years researching and developing the Driver Risk Index , a statement of driver beliefs that are proven to be predictive of a driver’s behaviour. Academic research on thousands of drivers has shown that self reported ratings of driver behaviour are predictive of many components of driving behaviour.

Neil Godfrey from Cranfield University said, "Our mission as a university is to offer a service to the community. By making the DRI available to the general public, we are fulfilling our aim by increasing awareness of the effects of driver behaviour on road safety."

The DRI has been developed through years of research in association with leading organisations in the fleet, bus, HGV, police, fire and ambulance sectors. By using DriverMetrics services to scientifically assess a drivers’ behavioural and situational risk, the organisations can reduce the risk of work-related road traffic accidents at work.

The DRI produces an instant, scientifically validated, driver profile that shows a driver whether they are at high, medium or low risk of being involved in an accident. The profile analyses and explains a range of driving related factors that are known to place drivers at risk such as such as aggression, dislike of driving, thrill-seeking, fatigue proneness, driver confidence and coping strategies.

Drivers are given a report that includes advice on how to address any risk factors that are highlighted. They also have the option to find out more about one-to-one driver training to help curb the behaviours that can lead to an accident. All users also receive a free 23-page training guide, ‘Human Factors in Driving’, full of driving safety advice.