Evaluation
When resources are scarce, evaluation of existing projects to ensure that they are achieving their objectives becomes even more critical. We can advise on suitable techniques from the selection of appropriate test instruments through to the use of complex statistical analyses.
We can undertake -
- postal surveys
- telephone surveys
- Internet surveys using SurveyMonkey or other e-questionnaires
- focus group discussions
- face-to-face interviews and
- observation studies
We can measure -
- knowledge
- attitudes
- self-reported behaviour
- actual behaviour
Careful attention to detail at all stages means that we often exceed expected response rates for surveys.
Motorcycle Campaign
Whilst KSIs amongst most road user groups are reducing, motorcycle KSIs remain stubbornly high in many areas. We worked with a large rural authority to evaluate their multi-faceted campaign using a mix of qualitative and quantitative techniques.
These techniques included before and after questionnaires for those taking training, an analysis of safety camera partnership initiatives specifically aimed at motorcyclists, and a comparison of KSI trends with those of a similar authority.
Community Speed Watch
The earliest known CSW scheme was established in 1982 in the State of Virginia as a means of assisting residential neighbourhoods to deter speeding in their communities. Schemes then spread across North America. It is generally believed that the first scheme in Britain was developed in South-West England.
All CSW schemes have the same basic elements of trained volunteers monitoring vehicle speeds in their neighbourhood and reporting transgressors to the local police. Schemes vary according to whether the vehicle’s speed is displayed to the drivers as they pass the site, or merely recorded by volunteers using speed measuring equipment. Generally the police will send letters to transgressors requesting that they adhere to the speed limit in future
We worked with Leicestershire County Council to review the operation of their Scheme, determine the views of relevant stakeholders and suggest how the Scheme might be improved.
Older drivers
Many areas of Britain have a high proportion of older drivers.
Having identified a potential Casualty Reduction issue involving older residents in Norfolk, the County Council instigated a pilot project to intervene in the issues surrounding driving ability. To be successful this intervention needed to be delivered by a host of different agencies, but coordinated and driven by a lead authority. The main focus of the project is education, leading to attitudinal change and ownership of related issues surrounding risk assessment and quality of life.
We worked with members of the Casualty Reduction Team to identify specific issues of importance to older drivers in the County and monitor the reactions of key stakeholders as the project developed.
Community Wheels
The Community Wheels Project is funded through a partnership grant received by the Essex Casualty Reduction Board from the DfT in 2007. It is an integral part of the strategy implemented by the ECRB toward the reduction of killed and seriously injured (KSI) casualties, and has taken a primary role in engaging with local communities and groups with specific accident problems.
Community Wheels is a highly ambitious project, endeavouring to target many types of road users with measurable results. The partnership approach was encouraged by the grant provider (DfT), and ensures that the vehicle is equipped to deal with a variety of audiences in diverse locations, with the ability to respond to specific local problems.
Using a variety of both quantitative and qualitative techniques, we undertook the initial evaluation of the impact of the initiative upon seatbelt and mobile phone use as well as upon knowledge and awareness of road safety issues.
More information about Community Wheels is available from their website.
RSE school resource
The Scottish Road Safety Campaign, forerunner of Road Safety Scotland (RSS), launched the S1/S2 Personal and Social Development (PSD) Road Safety Education Resource in 2002. The drama is aimed at pupils in transition from primary to secondary school and aims to increase awareness of the consequences of risk-taking behaviour common to this age group.
Five years on, a nationwide review was required to determine the use of the resource in quantitative and qualitative terms to allow RSS to develop a new resource under the Roadskill banner.
Working jointly with Colin Buchanan and Partners, we surveyed the views of teachers using both postal questionnaires and telephone interviews and made recommendations for the revisions of the resource. The work was funded by the Scottish Government. The full report may be downloaded here.