Highways England, Head of Social Research and Behaviour Change,
Deirdre is Head of Social Research and Behaviour Change and has taken on the challenge of establishing this new function within Highways England. She has extensive experience in delivering high impact transport research and evidence based policy. With over 25 years’ experience in the field of transport research she is an acknowledged expert in road user safety research and injury prevention, and has actively contributed to several OECD road user safety expert groups and has latterly developed expertise across broader social and behavioural aspects of travel and mobility, the implications of changing lifestyles and social trends on transport, links with health, well-being and safety; driver/rider behaviours and new technology. She is particularly interested in people-centred approaches - using behavioural insights and the latest behaviour change techniques to support the delivery of safe, secure and sustainable transport systems. She is also a Visiting Professor at the Centre for Transport Studies, University College London and head of profession for social scientists in the Department for Transport.Building on the think piece ‘Paving the way’ http://roadsafetyinsight.com/paving-the-way/ she will look at behaviour change in road safety from a range of perspectives; reflecting on the dynamic interactions between individuals and groups as well as the importance of social, cultural and physical contexts.
