Application of Behavior Change Theory to the Development

Appendix A-5
Comparison Of Similar Treatment Letters
EPPERSON & HARANO (1974) McBRIDE & PECK (1970)
1. Your case has been given to me as
part of my special caseload of
violation repeaters.
2. My review of your record indicates
that you have been convicted on
several occasions of violations of the
traffic laws.
3. Since you are very close to the legal
definition of a negligent driver, I must
make a recommendation to the
Department as to what we should do
about you.
4. I know from personal experience that
many drivers with records like yours
are a danger to themselves, their
loved ones, and their community.
5. I also urge you to consider the
financial drain caused by traffic fines,
insurance rate increases and
accidents.
6. Is it really worth it?
7. I am sure you must realize the
important responsibility which the
Department and I have to keep unsafe
drivers off our highways.
8. I am counting on you to show me that
you can drive in a safe, responsible
manner.
9. I will personally check your record for
improvement to determine if further
action is necessary.
10. I have found that drivers like you can
improve if they really try.
11. But remember, the time for your
improvement is now – not later.
52
BEHAVIOR C HANGE THEORY
1. Because of your driving record
during the past 12 months, your case
has been given to me as part of my
special driver improvement caseload.
2. My review of your record indicates
that during the past year you have
been convicted on several occasions
of violations of the traffic laws.
3. Since you are very close to the legal
definition of a negligent driver, I
must make a recommendation to the
Department as to what we should do
about you.
4. I know from years of experience that
some drivers with records like yours
are a danger to themselves, their
loved ones, and their community.
5. In addition, there is always the
danger of financial loss.
6. I am sure you must realize the
important responsibility which the
Department and I have to keep
unsafe drivers off our highways.
7. I am counting on you to show me that
you can drive in a safe, responsible
manner.
8. I will personally check your record
for improvement to determine if
further action is necessary.
9. It has been my experience that drivers
like you can improve if they really
try.
10. Remember, now is the time for you to
improve your driving – not latter.