Last Updated on October 7, 2022 by david harnold
Driving a vehicle is indeed an adventurous experience. But this adventure should not be at the cost of your safety. At the same time, every state and country has its own rules for ensuring road safety.
In this scenario, Victoria’s VicRoads safe driving program is a different approach altogether. This program works on the root cause and brings a behavioural change in the individual.
Thus, it is essential to know about the initiative if you have someone who could be a part of this program. Keep reading the article to understand more about the program!
Essential characteristics of a good driver
One can curate an entire list of things that would make a person a safer driver. However, there are three key elements one needs to keep in mind.
Below are the three main characteristics that determine the safety of your driving skills.
Awareness and adherence to rules
It is surprising how a number of accidents occur only because the driver was unaware of the basic rule. Whether it is speed limit, signalling, or maintaining proper distance – there are a few things about driving you cannot ignore. Traffic rules are one of them!
These rules not only ensure your safety but also safeguard other people who are on the road. After all, a little obedience to safe driving never harmed anyone.
Be calm and composed
Multiple situations while driving can put you in a panic situation. However, this is not the option when you are responsible for maintaining the safety of yourself and others.
Thus, reactive decisions such as applying sudden brakes or taking unexpected turns are something you need to avoid. Instead, you can anticipate the traffic, maintain a proper distance, and optimise your speed accordingly.
Keep your vehicle in control
One of the biggest mistakes people make is getting distracted by other things while driving. As a result, many people meet with minor accidents because they take their focus off the road. All you need to do is check the mirrors frequently, be prepared, and don’t react spontaneously.
Keeping these characteristics in mind, VicRoads safe driving program tries to inculcate these habits in an individual. The following section includes the features of this program.
How does VicRoads safe driving program work?
The government of Australia has identified the fact that poor and unsafe driving is a trait. Thus, it needs elimination at a behavioural level to prevent the problem from recurring.
During the safe driving program, the government identifies the participant based on whom they find guilty of unsafe driving. After this, a maximum of 12 participants get a call to attend the program under the supervision of a facilitator.
This is a 5-hour program that works on the following factors:
- Identifying the origin of unsafe driving behaviour
- Understanding the trigger behind making poor decisions while driving
- Making the participants aware of the risks associated with these behaviours
- Presenting the consequences of their actions clearly
- Curating a plan to change the behavioural pattern step-by-step
Thus, at the end of the program, the participants will be able to understand the difference between safe and unsafe driving. Additionally, they will make an effort to bring a change in their habits to ensure road safety for everyone.
Final verdict
Therefore, it is safe to conclude that a driving program with a different approach is the need of the hour. This is because every individual is aware of the road safety rules, but something doesn’t motivate them to follow them.During the safe driving program, the government identifies the participant based on whom they find guilty of unsafe driving.
Hence, when there is a possibility to trigger motivation, one can instantly notice the change in the behaviour.
