Let’s improve driving standards

There is no doubt that the standard of driving in this country has deteriorated over the years. That, added to the increased traffic volumes, has meant that our roads have become a dangerous place to be. Park outside any primary school at morning time and you are guaranteed to see chaos and many close shaves. Driving into the local shopping centre can be a real test of nerves while attempting to navigate around a busy roundabout is a bit like going for a stroll in a minefield.

It seems that there are many drivers now who are not satisfied to simply drive the car but they must also be doing something else at the same time. Like being on the phone, texting, drinking coffee, eating, applying makeup or organising paperwork. I recently saw a woman negotiating a junction with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

My daughter lives in a sizeable estate consisting of mainly younger people and lots of small children. The entrance is marked with two stone pillars leading into a short avenue which then opens out into the estate proper. Once you turn to pass through those pillars you face many potential hazards, pedestrians, traffic, children playing etc. so naturally it requires care and attention.

If you took the time to sit at this entrance for a short time on any day of the week you would age considerably. The speed at which the majority of cars pass through this spot is frightening and the lack of awareness of potential danger is astonishing. And that lack of awareness seems to be everywhere.

From my own personal observations, I would have to suggest that the majority of the offenders would appear to be young people. The main offences are speed, lack of awareness and lack of concentration. Young drivers think they are invincible and totally incapable of making an error of judgement.  So what can we do to change their attitude?

Police drivers are trained in the UK and Ireland using a system of car control based on defensive driving, basically trying to identify potential hazards and taking appropriate action to prevent an accident. One aspect of this training is what is termed “Running Commentary”.  This, I think could make a valuable contribution to road safety and a better standard of driving if it was to be introduced as a part of driving instruction for all drivers.

So what is it? Well it is what it sounds like. The driver will be told by his instructor at a point in the journey to give a commentary on what is happening around him. This commentary lasts for a few miniutes at a time and the driver must describe what he sees. That includes the condition of the road, speed, weather conditions, the amount of traffic, road signs, concealed entrances and any potential dangers that can be identified.

It can feel a little awkward in the beginning but you soon get used to it and after a little practice it becomes second nature. When the training is over there is no longer a requirement to carry out this running commentary but it stays with you. Many trained drivers will tell you that they still use the defensive driving system even in their private cars and the running commentary goes on in the background, silently in the mind. Watching for hazards, anticipating danger and being prepared for it.

It wouldn’t cost anything to introduce this but it could be priceless.