Case Study : WMP Operation Top Deck continued ...
Asking for reasons Asking drivers why they were using their phone can provide a range of useful intelligence that we can follow up on in the short and longer term ( see the transtheoretical model on p21 & 98-99 ), and allow us to challenge barriers to adopting safer behaviours in future . See ‘ challenging the challenges ’ on page 146 for more about some potential responses and counter-responses .
Something to remember you by In addition to tailoring the content of conversations and discussions ‘ there and then ’ we also suggest considering providing those stopped with a ‘ takeaway ’ item of some sort . The right ‘ freebie ’ can help a driver move towards making better decisions in future , so if we know what is stopping them from making safe decisions , we can target our intervention more accurately . These items could range from information leaflets to air fresheners to phone Apps to key rings , but again should be handed out based on an assessment of the item most suited to that individual ( see p102 )
Social norms One likely narrative that you will encounter is that the police are using the buses to ‘ spy ’ on drivers . Involving people on the bus is one way of reinforcing the idea that ‘ the public ’ supports this activity which targets a minority of drivers , as is some careful social media framing ( see p90 and below ). As discussed throughout this compendium , we endorse efforts to get across the message that the majority of drivers do not use their phones , and that many are very concerned about the habit .
We would also advocate counting ( or getting someone else to count ) the number of drivers not using their phones and using this figure to promote the operation alongside the detections ( e . g . “ Thanks to the 96 % of drivers who weren ’ t using their phone whilst driving ” not just “ operation catches xxx drivers ”). By promoting compliance not deviance , the impression is given that most people are capable of legal and safe driving , and those that are not are problematic and part of an ‘ out-group ’. Promotion material can also stress that the operation is being carried out in response to public concern ( assuming that you have some evidence of that ), not because the police need help catching offenders .
Making the right point Publicity should also avoid focusing exclusively on the law and the chances of being caught . The conversation needs to be focused on the activity of safe driving , and making good choices in that respect , rather than on the law - which will never be able to keep up with technological developments . Drivers need an internal regulation system ( norms ), because an externally applied one ( enforcement ) cannot be there all the time .
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