Stages of behaviour change and how we might use them
Stage 1- Pre-contemplation : Someone you may meet who is at this stage will have no intention of changing their behaviour . They may be reluctant to stop and chat with you , or dismissive of what you are doing . Perhaps they think you ’ d be better off catching burglars , not hounding the poor motorist for minor offences ? A comparison of road death statistics with those for a ‘ real ’ crime like murder , or comparing mobile phone-related distraction to drink driving 1 might help challenge the idea that it ’ s not a real problem . This group might also believe that it ’ ll never happen to them , in which case it might be worth pointing out the cases of others who didn ’ t think it would happen to them either . Driving simulators are sometimes useful for people at this stage , as are ‘ gamified ’ activities that allow drivers to experience the effects of distraction for themselves .
Stage 2 - Contemplation . People at this stage are those that are considering change in the near future . They might claim that they are aware of the dangers associated with using a mobile phone while driving , but still do it and will need to be convinced that the pros of behaviour change significantly outweigh the cons . If they are parents , this may mean linking the action to consequences for their family , whereas if they rely upon their driving license for work , they may benefit from being reminded of the legal penalties . They may also benefit from suggestions about easy and effective methods to help them change .
Stage 3 - Preparation . These drivers are likely to have a plan to change behaviour , but have not put it into action yet . They may claim that they are aware of techniques for avoiding mobile phone use while driving , but they have not yet used them , perhaps citing pressure to answer their phones from family or work . The key for this group is to remove the friction that may have stopped them from doing what they actually already know they should be doing , so have a selection of resources available so you always have something to deploy , regardless of the obstruction ( see p102 ).
Stage 4 - Action . These individuals may state that they never use their phone while driving ( though check their definition of ‘ use ’ - p15 ). They may use an App that prevents use whilst driving , or always put their phone out of reach when in a vehicle , and are therefore adopting safe driver behaviours . They are still important to engage with , however , as we want to make sure change is sustained . Try to get them to adopt strategies that are automatic , like an App , rather than ones that rely on them remembering to take action every time . Also , engage in conversation about distraction more generally . These are likely to be a receptive audience so explain that there are lots of ways to be distracted and it ’ s not just about what the law covers .
Stage 5 - Maintenance . Behaviour change is considered to reach this stage after 6 months of consistent change without relapse ¹. Relapse must continue to be avoided . Individuals at this stage may benefit from encouragement and also something that helps to reinforce their membership of a group that avoids dangerous actions . Pledging ( see p104-106 ), purchasing a dash cam , or even something as simple as a window / bumper sticker , keyring or air freshener may help cement this identify , as well as helping them to contribute to a social norm around avoiding distracted driving . The latter physical examples also help to ‘ change the environment ’ ( another BCT ) in favour of the change .
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1
Burns , P . C ., Parkes , A ., Burton , S ., & Smith , R . K ., ( 2002 ). How dangerous is driving with a mobile phone ? Benchmarking the impairment to alcohol . TRL Report 547 . Berkshire , England : Transport Research Laboratory .
2
Briggs , G . F . & Turner A . J . ( 2019 ) ‘ Are you a focused driver ? Open Learn , The Open University http :// www . open . edu / openlearn / comment / 33140