Case Study :
Telford & Wrekin Employee Education
Overview of the approach
Telford and Wrekin Council Road Safety Department offer workshop education to local employers , with a focus on mobile phone use by drivers . These workshops are genrally presented to small groups of approximately 20-30 employees , lasting around 20 minutes , and are based upon the transtheoretical model of behaviour change ( see p21 ). Prior to our involvement , the intervention focused on educating a workforce ( many of whom drive as part of their occupation ) about what the law is , when it applies , and the legal consequences of offending . This is followed by information about the dangers of hands-free use . The course explains the consequences of using a mobile phone while driving ( impacts upon speed , distancing , reaction times , etc .) illustrated by a real-life news story . The intervention advises individuals to put their phones away while driving and offers information about how individuals can prevent others from using a mobile phone while driving .
During the workshop attendees are encouraged to explore what type of ‘ avoidance strategy ’ might work for them . The audience is encouraged to discuss the workshop and its contents with others , to help spread the message .
A pre- and post- intervention questionnaire is completed by the attendees , and has shown that ( as intended ) awareness is increased by attendance . However , awareness does not always lead to changes in behaviour ( though we might hope and expect that it does ) so part of the Mobile : Engaged contribution was to consider how the intervention might facilitate , and measure , changes in actual behaviour amongst the participants .
See page 21 for an explanation of the transtheoretical moel of behaviour change
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