Development and validation of the Occupational Therapy Risk Propensity Test (OT-RiPT) for drivers with disability

Abstract

Background: Male drivers in the 16- to 19-year age group have a nine-fold increase in their crash risk compared with 25- to 34-year-olds who have a relative risk of 2.3. Crash risk in young drivers has been directly linked to risk-taking behaviour. This paper reports the development of a video risk assessment tool for use with drivers. Aim/objective: This paper reports on the process of validating and investigating the reliability of the Occupational Therapy Risk Propensity Test (OT-RiPT) to measure risk-taking propensity. Material and methods: 20 healthy male participants were recruited. OT-RiPT scores were correlated with driving experience. Internal consistency was investigated using Cronbach’s alpha. Face validity was established. The OT-RiPT and a validated driver behaviour questionnaire were administered and the results correlated to establish discriminant validity. Results: There was no significant correlation between driving experience and OT-RiPT scores. Good internal consistency was established. OT-RiPT has high face validity. Discriminant validity was demonstrated. Conclusion and significance: Pending further testing, OT-RiPT shows promise as a reliable and valid measure of risk-taking propensity in young drivers.

Key words:

• assessment
• automobile driving
• behaviour
• reliability
• risk-taking
• validity

Acknowledgements

Special thanks are offered to Cameron Grant, Leila Karimi, Robin Lovell, Meg Marmo, Frank Niebling, and Kay Russell.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.