Training the brain to stay safe on the road

Robert Isler wants driver training to focus on the frontal lobe.

Waikato University professor Robert Isler believes brain training is the key to young driver safety.

The senior lecturer in psychology says the brain's frontal lobe, which manages emotion regulation, hazard anticipation and risk management, does not fully develop until people reach the age of 25.

He is convinced that's one factor in the high crash risk for young drivers, and it's a factor he is keen to change.

Isler will conduct a study in Taupo this year that will be peer-reviewed by overseas universities.

He aims to prove that targeted training to enhance risk assessment and skill levels better enables young drivers to use their developing practical skills. The young drivers studied will be followed up at six, 12 and 18 months.

Meanwhile, Isler's team of driver trainers, Army instructors and university professors is gathering to put students through incentive-based training with performance prizes donated by motoring-related companies such as Ford and Meguiars.

In 2004 drivers aged under 25 accounted for 30 per cent of road deaths and 30 per cent of road injuries.

Isler believes frontal lobe training could cut that figure. Indeed, he says it's vital to appropriately apply the practical skills young drivers learn.

"This study could revolutionise the way driver training is conducted," he says, "not just in New Zealand but internationally."