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THE SPEEDING DRIVER: WHO, HOW AND WHY?

CHAPTER THREE FOCUS GROUPS AND INTERVIEWS

FOCUS GROUP MEMBERSHIP AND TOPICS

3.1 The literature review identified a number of factors that have been found to be associated with speed choices: high annual mileage; driving larger, more powerful cars; living outside urban areas; youth and inexperience; and perceived obligations to others to speed or to desist from speeding. Eight focus groups of 6 - 10 respondents were conducted with a range of Scottish drivers to reflect combinations of these factors. The eight groups were as follows:

3.2 Drawing on the literature review and prior recent research a number of topics were drawn up to act as prompts for discussion within the groups.

3.3 Not all questions were addressed by all groups, and the selections given here highlight salient responses from each of the eight groups.

GROUP 1 - HIGH MILEAGE MALE DRIVERS (30 - 60 YEARS)

3.4 Most members of the group liked driving and were unable to imagine life without a car.

"I could use public transport, but it would make my day very long - I wouldn't have a life outside of work."
"If you live out of town - a car is essential."
"Sometimes I do think - my wee boy is 4 and he goes everywhere by car."

3.5 Most of the group thought that it was safer to keep up with the rest of the traffic on the road. Most of the group thought that most people drive at around 5 to 10 mph above the posted speed limit.

3.6 The majority of the group had been flashed by speed cameras in the last 3 years. They held the view that speed cameras were set to flash at speeds quite close to the limit - and certainly at less than 10 mph above the limit.

3.7 Most members of the group admitted to slowing down at a known fixed camera site and then speeding up once past it.

3.8 The group took the view that not all speeding is the same.

"Breaking the 30 mph limit is more serious - and should be punished more severely."

3.9 In a discussion on motorway driving, most of the men said that they would feel safe travelling at 85 mph.

3.10 The group, on the whole, felt that you are likely to drive faster when you are on your own - passengers are likely to make you slow down.

"It's the sense of freedom that you feel when you're on your own that makes you drive faster."

3.11 The group had different experiences of using the car to calm down after an upset or argument. Those that did it (or had done it) thought that it had succeeded in restoring calm.

3.12 The group had mixed views on the likelihood of losing your licence if you drive consistently above the speed limit. Some of the group thought that it would be quite easy for 'ordinary drivers' to pick up twelve penalty points.

3.13 In a discussion on whether members of the group would accept the points for a partner who already had nine penalty points and who had been flashed once again by a speed camera, the group thought that they would not. Many of the men could not imagine a wife with that number of penalty points.

3.14 The group thought that drivers with no licence were a worry on the road. The group favoured linking all vehicle documentation to the photo-licence to prevent this.

3.15 The group agreed that, these days, women drive just as fast as - or faster than - men do.

3.16 Most members of the group had driven on roads where they were unsure of the speed limit. All felt that speed limits should make sense to drivers.

"Some speed limits are crazy. If you go from the A77 on to the M77 - the speed limit goes from 60 mph on a really bad road, to 50 mph on a top-class motorway."

3.17 The group had mixed views on anti-speeding publicity. Some held the view that it would be better to spend the money on education and tackle the very young ages, while others felt that such advertising was not shocking enough and was not broadcast often enough.

"Nobody takes any notice (especially the boy-racers and the girl racers) - spend the money elsewhere."
"You could use advertising to educate drivers - like on stopping distances, like on new signs."

3.18 Some of the group thought that new drivers were taught to drive aggressively and at speed.

"I sat my motorcycle test last year. The examiner told me that if I wanted to pass, then I must be on the limit at all times (unless there was a good reason not to be). I did the test at 31 - 32 mph and passed."
"My son is learning to drive. He thinks that cars are so safe - but they're just murder weapons."

3.19 Most of the group favoured the use of traffic calming measures to slow drivers down.

GROUP 2 - HIGH MILEAGE FEMALE DRIVERS (30 - 60 YEARS)

3.20 Most members of the group liked driving and were unable to imagine life without a car. For many of the women, the day involved a chain of moving children to school or childminder and then on to work.

"I've got three kids I need to drop off in different places before I get to work."
"Without a car my life would be impossible."

3.21 The group thought that most people drive at around 10 mph above the speed limit. The view was held that speed cameras were set to flash at speeds around 10 mph above the limit and none of the women in the group had been flashed.

3.22 All members of the group admitted to slowing down at known fixed camera sites and then speeding up once past them.

3.23 The group, on the whole, felt that they drive faster when they are alone in the car - passengers (notably children) make them slow down.

3.24 The group had different experiences of using the car to calm down after an upset or argument. Those that did it (or had done it) thought that it helped calm you down - but could be dangerous, as your mind was not fully on driving.

3.25 The group thought that there was very little chance of losing your licence even if you drive consistently above the speed limit - staying in the 10 mph above the limit zone.

3.26 In a discussion on whether members of the group would accept the points for a partner who already had nine penalty points and who had been flashed once again by a speed camera, the group had mixed views. Some women thought that they might - especially if a ban would affect their husband's employment.

3.27 Some in the group believed that it was difficult to drive a modern car at less than 35 mph - after discussion, it was agreed that the driver decided the speed.

"It's just that I'm always in such a rush."

3.28 The group agreed that, these days, women drive just as fast as men do.

3.29 Most of the women did a lot of motorway driving. A discussion on speeds at which the group would continue to feel comfortable and safe led to the view that on a quiet motorway, speeds of up to 100 mph were acceptable to them. Most members of the group had travelled at such high speeds.

3.30 Most members of the group had driven on roads where they were unsure of the speed limit. All felt that speed limits should make sense to drivers and that the national speed limit sign should be replaced with 60 and 70 mph signs.

3.31 The group had mixed views on anti-speeding publicity and members were not sure of its effectiveness. Some felt that the advertising should be really hard-hitting.

"(The rear seatbelt advertisement) is really horrific. I won't drive now until my back-seat passengers fasten their seatbelts."

3.32 Others could not bear to watch such advertisements.

"If it's anything gory - I'll just turn it off."

3.33 All agreed that advertisements featuring children were very powerful. The 'poems' campaign using video footage of child pedestrian fatalities was cited as an example of this.

3.34 The group agreed that physical barriers were required to slow most drivers down.

GROUP 3 - PROFESSIONAL MALES (30 - 60 YEARS)

3.35 All members of the group liked driving, and most were unable to imagine life without a car.

"Living in a rural area, and working in the city - it would be impossible for me to work without a car."

3.36 Members of the group thought that most people drive at around 10 mph above the posted speed limit and that speed cameras are set to flash at around that level. They also took the view that few speed cameras had film.

3.37 All believed that most drivers would slow down at the camera site and then speed up again - most admitted to just that behaviour.

3.38 One of the group had been flashed by a speed camera 3 or 4 times in the last 3 years. So far he has no points on his licence - but is still waiting to hear on the most recent.

"I do drive fast - but no faster than everybody else."

3.39 In discussing motorway driving, most of the group agreed that they would feel safe driving at 80 - 90 mph.

3.40 Most of the men agreed that they are likely to drive faster when driving alone - passengers would make them slow down.

"I would never drive fast if the kids were in the car."

3.41 The group thought it very unlikely that you would lose your licence if you drive consistently around 10 mph above the speed limit.

3.42 In a discussion on whether members of the group would accept the points for a partner who already had nine penalty points and who had been flashed once again by a speed camera, the group thought that they might. It was agreed, however, that the men were likely to receive more penalty points than their wives were.

3.43 The group agreed however that, these days, women (especially young women) drive just as fast as men do.

"On the motorway, young women in their hot-hatches pass me all the time."

3.44 The group had experience of driving on roads where they were unsure of the speed limit - they thought that some speed limits did not make sense.

"You drive into town and you don't know when it's 40 (mph) or when it's 30 (mph)."

3.45 The group had mixed views on anti-speeding publicity. Some thought that the current Scottish campaign was very effective, while some thought that harder-hitting advertising would give an indication of the results of a road accident. The group was uncertain about the effect such campaigns have on driving.

"I think these campaigns can be very powerful. The advert on the television just now - the 'be your own man' one - that really speaks to me. However, I don't think that I think about it when I'm in the car."

3.46 The group felt that some traffic calming measures were useful in slowing down traffic in residential areas. However, there was some concern that some measures caused needless delays or rat-runs.

GROUP 4 - PROFESSIONAL FEMALES (30 - 60)

3.47 Most members of the group liked driving, and all were unable to imagine life without a car.

"Getting to work would be impossible without a car."
"My life is so busy - I'm just rushing around all the time."

3.48 The group was split on whether you should try to keep up with the rest of the traffic when you drive - all hated drivers who drive too close to them.

"I go on the defensive when people are right up behind me - I stay right at 30 mph."

3.49 Members of the group thought that most people drive at around 10 mph above the speed limit, and that speed cameras will only flash at around that level. They also took the view that few speed cameras had film - including the woman who had been flashed twice and had received 6 penalty points.

3.50 All members of the group had experience of slowing down at a known camera site and then speeding up again. All believed that most drivers do the same.

3.51 Most of the women agreed that they are likely to drive faster when driving alone - passengers would make them slow down.

3.52 The group thought that it was very unlikely that you would lose your licence by driving consistently around 10 mph above the speed limit.

3.53 In a discussion on whether members of the group would accept the points for a partner who already had nine penalty points and who had been flashed once again by a speed camera, the group were split - half would and half would not.

3.54 Most of the group argued that it was very difficult to drive modern cars at less than 35 mph - especially when trying to keep up with the other traffic on the road.

3.55 The group agreed that, these days, women drive just as fast as men do.

3.56 Discussing driving on the motorway, the women agreed that in the right circumstances they would feel safe driving around 90-95 mph.

3.57 The group had experience of driving on roads where they were unsure of the speed limit - especially in built-up areas. Indeed, the woman with the 6 penalty points was caught on camera in city streets where she claimed the speed limit had changed, without her being aware, from 40 to 30 mph.

3.58 The group generally approved of anti-speeding publicity and was aware of the current campaigns. The Foolsspeed logo was known to them - but produced different reactions. Some found the coming together of the logo very clever, while others were less sure.

"You can't help thinking that it means 'full speed' - as in full speed ahead."
"I'm not sure. It's like, it's not us - it's the fools who speed. But it is us!"

3.59 While the group agreed that it would take physical barriers to slow drivers down, they were not too impressed by some traffic calming measures which they had experienced.

"(Where I live) they've put in all these roundabouts - drivers go over them or round them the wrong way. It's a total waste of time and money - taxpayers' money."

GROUP 5 - SMALL TOWN/RURAL - MALES & FEMALES (20 - 35 YEARS)

3.60 All members of the group liked driving, and all were completely unable to imagine life without a car.

"I live in a small village and the public transport is terrible."
"Once you've got a car - it's part of your life."

3.61 Most of the group agreed that you should try to keep up with the rest of the traffic when you drive - and all thought that most people drive at around 10 mph above the speed limit. They believed that speed cameras would only flash at around that level - and that most speed cameras had no film. None had ever been flashed by a speed camera.

3.62 Everyone in the group had experience of slowing down at a known camera site and then speeding up again. The belief was that all drivers do this.

3.63 Most of the group agreed that they drive faster when on their own - passengers make them slow down.

3.64 The group thought that losing your licence because of speeding was extremely unlikely.

3.65 In a discussion on whether members of the group would accept the points for a partner who already had nine penalty points and who had been flashed once again by a speed camera, most of the group thought that they would not.

"They'd deserve to get banned."

3.66 Most members of the group knew people who were still driving after losing a licence.

"There's nothing to stop them."

3.67 Most of the group argued that it was very difficult to drive modern cars at less than 35 mph - especially when trying to keep up with the other traffic on the road.

3.68 The group agreed that, these days, women drive just as fast as men do.

3.69 Discussing driving on the motorway, the group members agreed that in the right circumstances they would feel safe driving around 90-95 mph.

"Any car I get - I have to get on the motorway and try it out."

3.70 The group discussed other drivers on the road - they were worried about old and young drivers. They favoured retesting older drivers and the compulsory use of the green 'P' plate during the first year of driving.

"(Older drivers) go too slow and don't know where they're going."
"(Young drivers) are just idiots."

3.71 The group had experience of driving on roads where they were unsure of the speed limit - especially in towns and cities.

3.72 The group was very much in favour of anti-speeding publicity and thought that we needed much more of it.

"It's got to be on all the time."

3.73 The group was aware of the current campaign in Scotland and approved of its real-life scenarios which they felt hit home effectively.

"If you're passing a school - or in a street with kids - it comes into your mind."

3.74 The group agreed that advertising which includes children and/or animals has the greatest impact on them.

3.75 The group supported the use of physical barriers to slow drivers down.

"It even makes the boy racers slow down - they don't want to damage their cars."

GROUP 6 - MOTHERS OF NURSERY AGE CHILDREN (25 - 35 YEARS)

3.76 All members of the group liked driving, and all were unable to imagine life without a car. The journey to nursery school was often part of a chain: nursery, primary school, work. While there was the option of public transport in the area, it was not viewed with favour.

"I don't like using buses - I'm paying road tax for the car, why should I pay for bus fares as well?"
"I take the kids on the bus as a wee treat - but I wouldn't use them myself."

3.77 Members of the group thought that they kept up with the traffic - and that most people drive at around 10 mph above the posted speed limit.

"I don't drive too slow - but I don't keep up with the idiots."

3.78 Although the group had little local experience of speed cameras, they did think that most drivers would slow down at the camera site and then speed up again.

"When I'm up in Glasgow, that's exactly what I do!"

3.79 The group agreed that you are likely to drive faster when you are on your own - passengers (especially children) would make you slow down.

"When I'm on my own, I have the music on full volume - and that makes me drive faster."

3.80 The group thought it very unlikely that you would lose your licence even if you drive consistently around 10 mph above the speed limit.

"I drive above the speed limit all the time - but I don't think I'd lose my licence. Even the nutters who go really fast don't lose their licence."

3.81 In a discussion on whether members of the group would accept the points for a partner who already had nine penalty points and who had been flashed once again by a speed camera, the group thought that they might - especially if a job depended on it.

3.82 None in the group had taken the car out to calm down after an argument etc. - they thought that, maybe, it was a male thing!

"My husband's done that - and I know it's a bad idea."

3.83 The group agreed that, these days, women drive just as fast as men do.

"We're just as bad - women like their flashy cars, too."

3.84 The group was a bit unsure about the meaning of the national speed limit sign.

"I don't think it's clear - it would be better if they had the actual speed on."
"Some people see that sign and just think it's an excuse to try their car out."

3.85 The group took the view that some people (especially those living out of town) would continue to drive even if they had lost their licence. The group found this to be dangerous and recommended more police checks on driver documentation.

3.86 The group had strong views on anti-speeding publicity. Even when they liked the advertisements, they thought that it was unlikely that you'd ever think about them when you were driving.

"Campaigns on the television are a complete waste of money - it would be better to use the money to put more policemen on the street."

3.87 The group favoured traffic calming because it forces drivers to slow down.

GROUP 7 - YOUNG MALES (17 - 20 YEARS)

3.88 All members of the group loved driving and most were unable to imagine life without a car.

"It's the freedom - it's too easy to drive away"
"You can't rely on public transport."

3.89 Most of the group did not try to drive at the same speed as everyone else on the road, preferring to go a bit faster. All took the view that most people drive at around 10 mph above the posted speed limit and that speed cameras are set to reflect this.

"A speed camera won't flash until you're doing over 40 (mph)."

3.90 There was a belief that most cameras are without film.

"I've been flashed 4 times - and nothing's happened."

3.91 All members of the group admitted to slowing down at known fixed camera sites and then speeding up again.

"I pass the camera - and go right back up to 40 (mph)."
"It's stupid having signs up about cameras - it's like telling you when to slow down."

3.92 The group, on the whole, felt that they drive faster when they are alone - passengers slow you down because you feel responsible for their safety.

"If I have an accident (on my own) - I'll only hurt myself."

3.93 Most of the group had used the car to calm down after an upset or argument. It helped to get rid of aggression and restore calm.

"I just kick the arse out of my motor - but I try not to do more than about 40 (mph)."

3.94 The group thought that there was almost no chance of losing your licence if you drive consistently around 10 mph above the speed limit.

3.95 In a discussion on whether members of the group would accept the points for a partner who already had nine penalty points and who had been flashed once again by a speed camera, almost all the group said that they definitely would. It was agreed that they would expect the same favour in return!

3.96 The group discussed the difficulty of driving at around 30 mph. Some thought that it was very difficult to drive at such a low speed, and that dropping into a low gear would cost more in fuel. Others thought that some effort to stay at the speed limit should be made.

"It's better to use more fuel than run over a wee wean."

3.97 The group discussed motorway driving speeds. Almost all would feel safe driving at around 90 mph on an open motorway.

"In the right car, you can drive at over 100 (mph) and you don't even know it - but you'd still feel safe."

3.98 The group noted that they sometimes felt a bit confused about speed limits in town. They did not always know when you had to stay at 20 or 30 mph - and when you could do 40 mph.

3.99 The group agreed that women drive just as fast as men do. Most agreed that women cause more accidents than men do - because they are more easily distracted from the driving task.

"I was on the M8 in Glasgow and I passed a woman - she was doing about 85 (mph) and putting on make-up."

3.100 The group discussed driving without a licence. More than half the group knew some people currently in this position. The group was reluctant to note any views on this.

3.101 The group, on the whole, was in favour of anti-speeding publicity campaigns on television and in the cinema, and had good recall of recent campaigns.

"It affects your conscience - you have to live with that the rest of your life."

3.102 However, some did wonder if the messages came to mind when they were driving - although all agreed that they would slow down when passing schools etc. anyway.

3.103 Some thought that parents should take more responsibility for their children and not leave it to the drivers.

"A hell of a lot of parents don't tell their kids how to cross the road."

3.104 The group had mixed views on traffic calming. Some thought that it did slow drivers down - others that it encouraged speed trials through the obstacles provided.

GROUP 8 - INEXPERIENCED FEMALE DRIVERS (20 - 29)

3.105 The members of the group were new drivers or drivers with little driving experience who were ambivalent about the pleasures of motoring. Those with cars found them to be an important part of their life and lifestyle.

"It's really nice to get out of town at the weekend."

3.106 Most of the group were not sure that you should try to keep up with the rest of the traffic when you drive - although they noted the danger of driving too slowly.

3.107 All members of the group thought that most people drive at around 10 mph above the speed limit. They believed that speed cameras would only flash at around that level - and that most speed cameras had no film. None had ever been flashed by a speed camera.

3.108 The group believed that all drivers slow down on approach to a fixed site speed camera - and then speed up again.

3.109 Most of the group said that they did not drive faster when on their own and that they would drive in the same way with passengers present.

3.110 The group thought that losing your licence because of speeding was extremely unlikely.

3.111 In a discussion on whether members of the group would accept the points for a partner who already had nine penalty points and who had been flashed once again by a speed camera, the group had mixed views. Those in relationships were inclined to think that they would.

"(My partner) and I have already talked about this - and he said that he would take the points if I got a speed camera ticket. I'm a new driver - I can only get 6 points."

3.112 Most of the group thought that it was difficult to drive modern cars at less than 35 mph - sometimes there was pressure to keep up with other traffic on the road.

3.113 The group thought that, these days, some women drive just as fast as men do. However, there was a view that most men drive faster than most women do.

3.114 Discussing driving on the motorway, the group members agreed they would feel reasonably safe driving around 85 mph.

3.115 The group had experience of driving on roads where they were unsure of the speed limit - they thought that the national speed limit sign should be replaced with ordinary speed limit signs.

3.116 The group had mixed views on anti-speeding publicity. Some group members had seen very little anti-speeding advertising and were unsure about the effect that it would have. It was agreed that any such publicity should be hard-hitting and show the consequences of bad driving.

"It should show the damage that a car crash does to your face."

3.117 The group agreed that traffic calming was a good idea - the use of physical barriers would slow drivers down.

SUMMARY OF FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS

3.118 As noted, not all focus groups addressed all of the possible topics, but Table 3.1 summarises the responses to fourteen topics discussed by all or most of the groups, showing levels of agreement with each statement.

Table 3.1: Summary of responses from eight focus groups

3.119 Despite the heterogeneity of the groups - male, female, young, old, rural, inexperienced, high mileage and low mileage drivers - there was a marked degree of consensus on a number of opinions characterising the social norms that would seem to currently inform the daily driving of Scottish drivers.

3.120 Most or all like driving and cannot imagine life without a car. All agree that these days women drive just as fast as men and, indeed, asked to indicate the fastest speed at which they would feel safe on a motorway, for all save the youngest, inexperienced group, females nominated higher speeds than equivalent groups of males. And all groups gave speeds above the current motorway speed limit.

3.121 Almost all the group participants were agreed that, these days, most people drive at around 10 mph above the speed limit, though most were also agreed, and many could give examples, that sometimes they were not sure about the speed limit of a road they were driving on. Some groups made plain they would like the ambiguity of the 'national speed limit applies' sign resolved with specific 60 or 70 mph signs.

3.122 Almost all thought it unlikely that drivers who always drive above the speed limit would lose their licence. Most agreed that they thought that speed cameras are set to flash at 10 mph or more above the speed limit. Most agreed that most drivers slow down for a speed camera and then speed up when they've passed it - and most agreed that they did so too.

3.123 Most respondents agreed they drive faster when alone and that it was difficult to drive modern cars at below 35 mph.

3.124 Many, though not all, thought that physical barriers were effective in making drivers slow down. They had mixed feelings about television anti-speeding advertisements, some admiring recent campaigns such as Foolsspeed and others believing that only hard-hitting, gruesome crash scenes would change behaviour.

3.125 They were divided as to whether they would accept penalty points on behalf of a partner who already had nine points.

INTERVIEWS WITH ACCIDENT-INVOLVED DRIVERS

3.126 Eight interviews were conducted with four male and four female drivers aged from 19 to 49 years who had been involved in road traffic accidents as a driver in the last three years. The interviews covered a wide range of topics including their driving experience, driving style, speed choices and views on enforcement, as well as the circumstances and effects of their accident. The full transcripts of all eight interviews are given at Appendix A.

3.127 The interviews provide a rich and detailed picture of the place of the car, and driving, in the lives of these eight very different people. The interviews corroborate the findings of the focus groups in a number of ways. All eight saw the car as integral to their current way of life and appreciated the autonomy, independence, access and mobility that it conveyed and how it thereby supported a particular lifestyleThey were cognisant of the social norms identified by the focus group participants. They had views about women drivers, boy racers, road signage, speed cameras and congestion. With some reservations about other types of road users, particular roads or routes, and the effect of inclement weather conditions on driving in Scotland, they all enjoyed driving or, at least, they had done until the accident.

3.128 All the interviewees had suffered some degree of trauma as a direct result of the accident. For some it was physical trauma.

" I was in hospital for five days - I'd a collapsed lung, broken ribs" [Male, 19 years].
" We were both injured - the passenger more than me. He broke .. 4 ribs" [Male, 28 years].
" I broke my back" [Male, 47 years].
" I damaged my knee … it was about two weeks I had to take off (work)" [Female, 20 years].
" The second accident I had slight whiplash - I had to go to the hospital in the morning. They just gave me painkillers - said it would be a couple of days, but it was about two and a half weeks" [Female, 36 years].
" I had a bit of whiplash, that was all. (The other driver) was injured - he hit a wall" [Female, 49 years].

3.129 For many, their involvement in a crash also brought psychological trauma as well as disrupting their sense of feeling 'in control' that for them, as for many others, had been a core attraction of driving.

" It was quite scary" [Male, 19 years].
" I was traumatised - three children in the other car and my main concern was for them" [Male, 49 years].
" .. it was very frightening" [Female, 20 years].

3.130 And for all of them it made an immediate difference to their driving which persisted for some time.

" It gave me a kick up the backside … you can't just race about everywhere, you've got to pay more attention. I do drive more slowly now in some circumstances - like taking bends" [Male, 19 years].
" It shook me up and made me realise I was driving too fast" [Male, 28 years].
" The accidents affected my driving - even when (my wife) was driving it made me quite nervous about things that were happening round about - that wee bit jumpy. Even yet, I'm still wary of people coming up my back" [Male 49 years].
" (After the accident) I went straight into driving straight away - I don't think I'd be able to drive now if it hadn't been for that. .. Definitely made me more careful. I brake long before I should brake - just to make sure that my car stops in time and plenty of people behind me know that I'm stopping" [Female, 20 years].
" So, yes, it's made me a bit more wary - when I stop I tend to keep more room in front of me. I'm no up the back of anybody's bumper or anything - you never know when they're going to stop" [Female, 36 years].
" So I actually stopped going along that road and stuck to the main road because I knew that the markings were all there. Nobody was going to ignore coming on to a main road" [Female, 49 years].

3.131 But however intense the immediate after-effects of involvement in a Road Traffic Accident, these changes to driving style are typically transient and the temporary caution recedes.

" (The accident) had been three months after I just passed my test so I think I did lose confidence a bit - but I'm fine now" [Female 18 years].
" It affected how I drove for about a year. I was very nervous when I first - I mean I didn't get back into a car for about five months because, literally, I was physically unable. When first I did get back into a car, I borrowed a .. very small car. And I was acutely aware of being vulnerable and drove very nervously - and probably very badly - for some months. And then … we got the 4-wheel drive. .. I'm back to being a fast driver" [Male 47 years].

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