Amy Williamson

Video-based road commentary training improves hazard perception of young drivers in a dual task

This study used a video-based hazard perception dual task to compare the hazard perception skills of young drivers with middle aged, more experienced drivers and to determine if these skills can be improved with video-based road commentary training. The primary task required the participants to detect and verbally identify immediate hazard on video-based traffic scenarios while concurrently performing a secondary tracking task, simulating the steering of real driving. The results showed that the young drivers perceived fewer immediate hazards (mean=75.2%, n=24, 19 females) than the more experienced drivers (mean=87.5%, n=8, all females), and had longer hazard perception times, but performed better in the secondary tracking task. After the road commentary training, the mean percentage of hazards detected and identified by the young drivers improved to the level of the experienced drivers and was significantly higher than that of an age and driving experience matched control group. The results will be discussed in the context of psychological theories of hazard perception and in relation to road commentary as an evidence-based training intervention that seems to improve many aspects of unsafe driving behaviour in young drivers.

The implications of cross-regional differences for the design of In-vehicle Information Systems: A comparison of Australian and Chinese drivers

The increasing global distribution of automobiles necessitates that the design of In-vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) is appropriate for the regions to which they are being exported. Differences between regions such as culture, environment and traffic context can influence the needs, usability and acceptance of IVIS. This paper describes two studies aimed at identifying regional differences in IVIS design needs and preferences across drivers from Australia and China to determine the impact of any differences on IVIS design. Using a questionnaire and interaction clinics, the influence of cultural values and driving patterns on drivers preferences for, and comprehension of, surface- and interaction-level aspects of IVIS interfaces was explored. Similarities and differences were found between the two regional groups in terms of preferences for IVIS input control types and labels and in the comprehension of IVIS functions. Specifically, Chinese drivers preferred symbols and Chinese characters over English words and were less successful (compared to Australians) at comprehending English abbreviations, particularly for complex IVIS functions. Implications in terms of the current trend to introduce Western-styled interfaces into other regions with little or no adaptation are discussed.

Music selection using a touch screen interface: effect of auditory and visual feedback on driving and usability

This study examined the effects on driving, usability and subjective workload of performing music selection tasks using a touch screen interface. The benefits of providing visual and/or auditory feedback was also explored. Thirty participants performed music selection tasks with a touch screen interface while driving, with four forms of feedback. The music selection tasks significantly increased subjective workload and degraded performance on a range of driving measures. The provision of any form of feedback did not significantly affect driving performance, usability or subjective workload. Results suggest that touch screens may not be a suitable input device for navigating scrollable lists.

The role of education and awareness in workplace alcohol and drug use in the Australian construction industry: Proposed program of research and preliminary results

The main aim of this paper is to outline a proposed program of research which will attempt to quantify the extent of the problem of alcohol and other drugs in the Australian construction industry, and furthermore, develop an appropriate industry-wide policy and cultural change management program and implementation plan to address the problem. This paper will also present preliminary results from the study. The study will use qualitative and quantitative methods (in the form of interviews and surveys, respectively) to evaluate the extent of the problem of alcohol and other drug use in this industry, to ascertain the feasibility of an industry-wide policy and cultural change management program, and to develop an appropriate implementation plan. The study will be undertaken in several construction organisations, at selected sites in South Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory. It is anticipated that approximately 500 employees from the participating organisations across Australia will take part in the study. The World Health Organisations Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) will be used to measure the extent of alcohol use in the industry. Illicit drug use, “readiness to change”, impediments to reducing impairment, feasibility of proposed interventions, and employee attitudes and knowledge regarding workplace AOD impairment, will also be measured through a combination of interviews and surveys. Among the preliminary findings, for 51% (nu200a=u200a127) of respondents, score on the AUDIT indicated alcohol use at hazardous levels. Of the respondents who were using alcohol at hazardous levels, 76% reported (nu200a=u200a97) that they do not have a problem with drinking and 54% (nu200a=u200a68) reported that it would be easy to “cut down” or stop drinking. Nearly half (49%) of all respondents (nu200a=u200a122) had used marijuana/cannabis at some time prior to being surveyed. The use of other illicit substances was much less frequently reported. Preliminary interview findings indicated a lack of adequate employee knowledge regarding the physical effects of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace. As for conclusions, the proposed study will address a major gap in the literature with regard to the extent of the problem of alcohol and other drug use in the construction industry in Australia. The study will also develop and implement a national, evidence-based workplace policy, with the aim of mitigating the deleterious effects of alcohol and other drugs in this industry.

Effect of erectile dysfunction medications on coexisting sexual dysfunctions in couples: Partners' Preference Study

There is sparse information on how treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) affects couples. This study investigated the effects of ED treatments on 100 heterosexual couples sexual functioning and whether function achieved using a short-acting versus a long-acting ED medication differed significantly. Couples were randomized to use tadalafil or sildenafil for each of two 12-week study phases; they completed questionnaires (International Index of Sexual Function and Female Sexual Function Index) and kept sexual event diaries. All participants experienced significant improvements over baseline sexual functioning, while the men used short- or long-acting ED medications with no significant differences related to the duration of drug action recorded for either the men or women. Despite this lack of difference in efficacy there was a strong preference by women (79%) and their partners (16%) for the longer-acting medication. The reasons for this warrant further investigation. Understanding the effects on couples of the use of ED medications is a necessary aspect of ensuring ongoing sexual satisfaction in couples treated for ED.

639 Preventing harm from alcohol and drugs at work: national study and development of educational tools

Background There has long been concern over the impact of alcohol and other drug (AOD) consumption on workplace safety, particularly within the construction industry. Until now there has been little scientific evidence on the relationship between AOD and safety. This research aimed to evaluate AOD within the Australian construction industry and to develop, through engagement with industry, mental health and e-Therapy experts, AOD specific education. Methods Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test a national assessment study evaluated the extent of general AOD use in the industry. A survey was distributed to 500 employees across Australia. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted. The researchers collaborated with AOD and e-Therapy experts to develop a web-based AOD program for managers. Researchers then collaborated with an industry-based mental health and suicide prevention organisation. A peer-based AOD education program was developed. It targeted social attitudes to impairment at work and was evaluated through a pilot study with 42 young apprentices. Results The national assessment study showed that a total of 286 respondents (58%) scored above the cut-off score for ‘risky’ alcohol use with 43 respondents (15%) scoring in the significantly ‘at risk’ category. Other drug use was also identified as a major issue. The peer-based AOD education program was positively received by young workers. The pilot study showed an increase in both knowledge and awareness of alcohol and drug impairment and intention to seek help. Conclusions A proportion of the industry is at risk of hazardous alcohol use. Other drugs are also a major issue. Several areas for consideration were identified. Results from the peer-based AOD education program were encouraging and support the need for further evaluation. Web-based programs can enable the provision of AOD education and support (and mental health information more broadly) to those living/working in remote locations.

Reducing The Risk Of Alcohol And Other Drugs In Construction: An Australian National Assessment

There is increasing concern about the impact of employees’ alcohol and other drug (AOD) consumption on workplace safety, particularly within the construction industry. No known study has scientifically evaluated the relationship between the use of drugs and alcohol and safety impacts in construction, and there has been only limited adoption of nationally coordinated strategies, supported by employers and employees to render it socially unacceptable to arrive at a construction workplace with impaired judgment from AODs. This research aims to scientifically evaluate the use of AODs within the Australian construction industry in order to reduce the potential resulting safety and performance impacts and engender a cultural change in the workforce. Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the study will adopt both quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the extent of general AOD use in the industry. Results indicate that a proportion of the construction sector may be at risk of hazardous alcohol consumption. A total of 286 respondents (58%) scored above the cut-off score for risky alcohol use with 43 respondents (15%) scoring in the significantly ‘at risk’ category. Other drug use was also identified as a major issue that must be addressed. Results support the need for evidence-based, preventative educational initiatives that are tailored specifically to the construction industry.