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.
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 p100).
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 relapse¹.
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
p102-104), 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.
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.
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