“I find all the exercises useful. I think these are all great suggestions, very informative and something that will stick with me.”
“I look forward to trying the exercises when I get on the road again. The textbook was user friendly and easy.”
“The sports analogies really helped get the points across. The text was a great size. The tone was conversational, which helped keep my attention.”
“They were useful, yes. The tunnel vision lesson was valuable. I don't think there were any that were not useful, all were needed. I thought it was a good text, with real life application from sports, etc.”
“I think the textbook is great and doesn't need improving. I learned that I have some dangerous habits while driving and I am gonna start changing them now. Such as smoking and talking on the phone.”
“I don't feel there is anything to suggest, as this course covered pretty much every aspect of safe driving. The visual aids, different techniques and teachings were quite invaluable.”
“The information was very useful and easy to understand.”
“Yes the exercises were useful. I liked them all. I have no suggestions at this time thank you.”
“Yes the exercises were useful especially the ones about tunnel vision. I though the text was very informative and helpful. I learned that even small things can take your focus and vision from the road for too long and make you unsafe.”
“Yes, I know it sounds crazy but I actually enjoyed this exercise. This was well put together with valid research … lead with your eyes is a great new technique.”
“Found the exercises fairly useful. I think the text works well as it is written. Learned that small actions equal big risks.”
“I thought that all these exercises were informative and useful. I learned that speeding is not the answer and can only cause severe consequences. I have also learned that distractions can cause serious accidents.”
“I believe you have all done a great job. I enjoyed the videos especially. Thank you. I engage in risky behavior that I assumed was ok. I mistakenly assumed a blue-tooth was safer than a hand-held phone.”
“I commend you for not making it too much like you're talking to a child.”
“Yes, the exercises were useful. I think everything is clear-cut and scientifically backed up. I can see now how 2 seconds or more is a matter of life or death when driving.”
“Yes, this was actually a very helpful reminder of how seriously compromised my attention is when driving. One of the best tips for me was learning not to target fixate. I do this very often.”
“Yes, these exercises were very helpful. I really feel that all of them had some things that have helped me become a more alert driver.”
“I enjoyed the videos and all the stats on driving … very interesting … great textbook and very helpful … I'll start using the exercises today.”
“The text was pretty good. Yes, I do a lot of things (talk/text, change radio, cd's etc) while driving that I shouldn't.”
“I think that it was good, thanks … seeing the distracted driving drove the point home.”
“These exercises were, indeed, useful and informative. Text was fine. I liked the colorful texts and box inserts. Videos are a great touch!”
White Paper
White Paper 6: Student Reviews and Evaluation of a New Interactive Online Driver Education Course

by Kenneth C. Mills & Devon K. Mills

A New AlertDriver ProFleet Course
The best way to describe our new ProFleet driver education course is show our first student reviews. The 50 students range in age from 16-78 and drive all types of vehicle—from young teens in sports cars, school bus drivers, truck drivers, minivan Moms and elderly SUV drivers. The 50 students were referred by the district court due to minor traffic infractions. The ProFleet course replaced our traditional course for court referrals.

We listened to over 7000 customers by analyzing the feedback from our traditional course. Our goal was to gain a better understanding of what would be meaningful to today's drivers. We think we have produced an engaging and highly relevant course to reduce crash risk. However, safety messages, no matter how well crafted, do not have an impact on driving behavior if the student doesn't find them useful. As you will read, our diverse customers are chatting and giving opinions as they become familiar with the new curriculum.

The new course (June 25, 2010) has a simplified yet expanded text, with chat, surveys, videos, individualized attitude feedback, and room for comments. You can learn more about the course at www.alertdriver.com. Because new research shows a decrease in crash rates with extended safety discussions, our goal was to keep students engaged with on-line instruction and discussion relevant to their driving.

Student Reviews of Chat and Course Features
All of the first 50 students gave the course positive reviews. The 30 males had a mean age of 35.8 years and the 20 female students had a mean age of 30.2 years. The mean age for all students was 33.6 years.

There were 15 chat items in the course of instruction during which students were required to enter examples from their own road experience. Forty eight of the students participated with enthusiasm about how the material applied to their own driving. Many of the examples were so creative and applicable, we will insert them as course content. For example:

“I can make a conscious attempt to never flip the visor down and apply makeup while driving. Also, not answering the cell phone and texting will not be happening in my car anymore!" - Female, 28
“People eat, talk, and read while driving demonstrating they think it is easy. Learning the science and research behind driving has helped me more fully understand how complex driving is a mental task." - Male, 21