‘Post Crash Driver Training is Too Little Too Late’, says Susan McCormack – comment Bedford driving instructors

YOUNG people are most at risk of crashing within the first 250 miles they drive solo after passing the driving test.

During this time they are seven times more likely to be involved in a road collision than an experienced driver (Novice Driver Behaviour, Dr Sarah Fletcher, Cranfield University, 2005). There are numerous reasons why this might be the case but offering free post crash driver training is like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, especially considering that many of these post test crashes involve fatalities – in 2005 there were 19.2 fatalities per 100,000 licences amongst car drivers aged 17 to 20, compared with just 14.2 ten years earlier. (Fatality Rates for Car Drivers aged 17-20: 1992-2005, Department for Transport (Ev.192).

Young drivers need a fully comprehensive education before they pass their test not catch-up skills-based training after a crash. When learner drivers are coached to understand how their personality, beliefs and values affect the way they control the vehicle and integrate with other road users, they will be better equipped to manage their own risks and take responsibility for their driving. Losing control of a vehicle on a bend is as much to do with the driver’s lack of awareness of his or her personal strengths and limitations as it is to do with the road, weather or vehicle conditions.

Many Approved Driving Instructors understand that some of their learners are likely to be more at risk than others. Inexperience is a huge contributory factor in crashes caused by newly qualified drivers. A 17 year old male is capable of acquiring the skills he needs to demonstrate safe control of the vehicle during his driving test and pass with less than 20 hours of driving lessons but what experience does he have of handling complex traffic situations, forward planning and anticipating and negotiating hazards? Furthermore, where is his understanding of the motivation for the journey and how his personality impacts on the driving task, or the effects of drink and drugs?

Driving instruction must tackle all these issues through coaching before the learner passes their driving test. Waiting until they are involved in a crash and then offering free driver training is far too little too late.

Contact Details – Susan McCormack, Laurie-Jane Taylor (Company Directors) www.drive-ed.co.uk, sue@drive-ed.co.uk, laurie@drive-ed.co.uk. Mob: +44(0)7817-62-69-70

Source: prnewswire website

BADDIA members can meet Susan and Laurie at the next meeting on Wednesday 28/01/09

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area.