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CAR CRASHES ARE THE GLOBAL LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 5 - 29?
In the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood, teenagers begin testing their new-found independence, often accompanied by the thrill of obtaining their driver’s license. However, with this privilege comes an enormous responsibility to take to the roads with caution and care. It is not only their life they must protect, it is also the lives of other road users.
Defensive driving ensures that teenagers enjoy embracing this new found freedom, but with added confidence and maximum driver safety. Advanced driving fundamentals and important road safety crash prevention skills are not covered in general driving lessons, yet these are the skills that drivers need to stay alive and crash free.
TEENAGE DRIVER SAFETY
WHAT IS DEFENSIVE DRIVING?
Defensive driving provides a singular, comprehensive accident avoidance strategy. There are topics under various modules that are taught in a classroom-type setting. The modules include topics such as:
Accident avoidance manoeuvres
Driving in high-traffic areas
Addressing non-functional traffic lights
Understanding road safety laws
Anticipating and handling road hazards
Driving in different weather conditions
Drunk driving
Distracted driving
The importance of space management
Dealing with accidents
Emergency situations and more. The topics can be viewed on our defensive driving page.
THE DARK TRIAD OF DRIVING
Every day, we hear of accidents taking place, mostly due to drivers’ warped perceptions about their abilities and perceived invincibility. Despite the well-documented consequences, many continue to underestimate the risks.
Sadly, teenagers are at the most risk, and this is not because they are bad drivers; it is due to the fact that the part of their brains responsible for impulse control is still underdeveloped. This dangerous limitation can lead to overconfidence in their abilities or, worse, a belief that accidents will not happen to them.
Adding to this, the fast-paced nature of modern life creates a sense of urgency, pushing people to drive faster or multitask behind the wheel. The addictive nature of smartphones contributes dangerously, with many people struggling to resist the urge to check messages or notifications while driving.
What's more, Zimbabwe has witnessed a concerning shift in the perception of drunk driving, with a growing culture that deems this behaviour increasingly acceptable. This normalisation poses a significant threat, particularly for teenagers who are impressionable and at a critical juncture in their development.
Our defensive driving course addresses these behavioural patterns and provides effective education on the potentially life-threatening consequences of these actions. We shed light on why drivers make certain choices, even when faced with evidence-based, catastrophic outcomes.
We have dedicated a module focusing on the all-too-important, yet often forgotten, element of road safety: driver psychology. The main goal is to make teenagers aware of their decisions and to provide tools to instil good driving habits and shift any bad habits before they develop.
A WORD FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS
As we can see, accidents and tragedies are no longer isolated incidents, but a hauntingly regular occurrence. It is a crisis that touches every corner of our society, sparing no one. The statistics in Zimbabwe show that the number of road accidents involving young drivers is rising, and it is having a devastating effect on Zimbabwean communities.
As heads of schools, teachers, guardians of education, and the developers of future generations, we implore you to recognise the pivotal role that you can play in helping to shape the destiny of our nations road safety predicament. The solution cannot solely be left to traffic regulations and law enforcement, but in the very heart of our educational institutions. It is here that the foundation of responsible, safe driving habits must be laid.
Right now, the highway code is the only material we rely on to provide our young drivers with road safety strategies and driver techniques; and the highway code is not enough! It doesn't come close to addressing the dangerous situations that young drivers will inevitably face in real-life situations.
WHY USE DRIVE SENSE?
Our instructors are not just educators but mentors who are dedicated to the well-being and success of each student. We ensure a supportive environment where questions are encouraged and seen as learning opportunities, and progress is celebrated. Every module is crafted with the student’s growth and safety in mind to make sure they develop not only as competent drivers but also as conscientious members of the driving community.
We provide students with practical, life-saving techniques that prepare them with the ability to anticipate and respond to all of the increasing dangers that we are experiencing. We have ensured that the course is rooted in Zimbabwe-specific scenarios with a particular emphasis on extreme conditions. Students who complete our defensive driving programme leave with a comprehensive understanding of:
Enhanced Awareness
Confidence
Skill Development
Responsible Attitudes
THE POWER OF PSYCHOLOGY: HOW MENTAL AWARENESS SHAPES SAFER DRIVING
Teenage drivers should be aware that driving is not just a physical act; it is a complex interplay of psychology, emotions, and behaviour. This insight helps the driver to apply technical proficiency more effectively and creates a heightened awareness of the human element at play.
While many defensive driving programmes may overlook driver psychology, Drive Sense recognises its critical importance. In Zimbabwe, we’ve observed drivers grappling with emotions such as fear, frustration and anger, which compromise their ability to stay composed on the road. A nervous driver poses safety risks, while an angry driver can be outright dangerous.
We have incorporated driver psychology because we understand the importance of recognising that 'thoughts become feelings' and feelings have biological and physiological effects. These fundamental responses to various emotions can greatly affect our driving if left unchecked. Understanding 'one's self' as a driver not only improves driving performance, it restores the enjoyment of driving.
THE ELEMENTS OF DRIVER PSYCHOLOGY
Personality
Every driver brings a unique personality to the road. Some may be naturally cautious, while others may lean towards impulsivity. Teaching drivers to recognise their own traits allows them to adapt their approach to driving situations. They can make conscious choices that align with their individual disposition.
Personality Trickery
Drivers encounter a wide range of other personalities on the road. Understanding that not everyone shares the same disposition can help avoid conflicts. Being patient and empathetic in interactions with other drivers makes for a more harmonious driving environment.
Cognitive Limitations
Understanding any cognitive limitations helps drivers to recognise their own vulnerabilities, such as attention lapses or memory recall issues, enabling them to compensate.
Stress Management
The driver psychology module teaches stress management techniques to help drivers cope with emotions such as anxiety and fear. Less stress leads to more composed and rational decision-making.
Cycle of Anger
The cycle of anger can escalate quickly. This can be experienced in everyday life, and more concerning, is often expressed on the roads. A perceived slight can trigger frustration, which can lead to aggressive behaviour. This aggressive behaviour becomes a major threat to one's own cognitive applications to driving. Distraction and physiological manifestations such as erratic movements become an inevitable consequence. Understanding and recognising that there is a cycle to anger empowers drivers to interrupt it before it escalates.
Road Rage
Our course assists drivers with recognising if they suffer from a cognitive behavioural disorder known as intermittent explosive disorder, which affects 5-7% of the population. This heightened state of anger impairs judgment and decision-making to the point that drivers unknowingly put themselves in life-threatening situations. By recognising the signs of IED and applying the coping mechanisms taught on our course, drivers can learn ways to diffuse tension and keep their focus where it should be: on the road.
Perception Trickery
The mind is highly capable of tricking our perception. In certain situations, objects may appear closer or farther than they actually are; or worse, obstacles
may disappear entirely. Recognising that these perceptual distortions exist, and are heightened by individual attention biases, is crucial for making accurate judgments and avoiding potential accidents.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
A negative story in road traffic refers to a mindset characterised by pessimistic perceptions and expectations regarding driving situations or other drivers. It often leads to heightened anxiety. This negative cognitive bias can dangerously impact a driver’s decision-making and response times.
Stages of Morality
Driving decisions often reflect one’s moral compass. Understanding the stages of moral development, from self-interest to a broader sense of societal responsibility, can guide drivers in making ethically sound choices on the road. Understanding the different levels of morality not only assists with driving, but with life in general.
Empathy and Patience
Defensive driving education effortlessly helps drivers to remain calm and considerate, even in challenging driving situations.
A COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION
Currently, Drive Sense is collaborating with the brilliant, ramped-up efforts of various road safety stakeholders to continue charting the most effective path forward in dealing with Zimbabwe's road safety crisis. By offering our defensive driving course to schools, we hope to bolster these efforts and expand the reach. While the task ahead is substantial, the combined efforts of many hands ensure both lighter work and swifter progress.
This course is driven by expertise and a deep commitment to ensuring its effectiveness. It adheres to globally recognised defensive driving standards, and its engaging visuals are designed to captivate and sustain student focus. The development of this course has been a labour of love, aimed toward the safety of our children and the safety of other road users.
WORKING TOGETHER TO REDUCE THE OCCURRENCE OF DRUNK DRIVING INCIDENTS
COLLABORATE WITH PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
COLLABORATE WITH PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Engage parents and guardians in the conversation about teenage drinking. Host workshops or seminars that provide information and resources for responsible parenting in relation to alcohol use.
IMPLEMENT STRICT POLICIES AND CONSEQUENCES
IMPLEMENT STRICT POLICIES AND CONSEQUENCES
Enforce a zero-tolerance policy for underage driving, with clear and consistent consequences outlined for any violations. This sends a strong message about the school's commitment to road safety.
ENGAGE IN PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
ENGAGE IN PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
Offer workshops and seminars for parents on the subject of how to communicate effectively with their teenagers about responsible drinking and driving, and provide resources to help parents set clear expectations and boundaries.
ORGANISE AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AND ASSEMBLIES
ORGANISE AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AND ASSEMBLIES
Host regular assemblies or awareness campaigns focused on road safety, highlighting the dangers of drunk driving, and showcasing real-life stories and statistics to drive the message home.
FACILITATE STUDENT-LED INITIATIVES
FACILITATE STUDENT-LED INITIATIVES
Empower students to take the lead by organising anti-drunk driving initiatives, such as peer-led workshops, poster contests, or awareness drives within the school and local community.
OPEN COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
OPEN COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
Create a safe and nonjudgmental space for students to discuss concerns or seek advice regarding peer pressure, alcohol consumption, and responsible decision-making. Encourage open dialogues about the risks of drunk driving.
ESTABLISH PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
ESTABLISH PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, community organisations, and the Traffic Safety Council to conduct awareness campaigns, enforce legal consequences for underage drinking and to organise events promoting road safety.
PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL EVENTS
PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL EVENTS
Encourage and support school-sponsored events that emphasise responsible behaviour, including alcohol-free gatherings. Provide alternatives that offer fun and engaging activities without the need for alcohol.
PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Encourage the use of safe and reliable alternative transportation methods, such as designated drivers or ride shares, to reinforce the importance of making responsible choices.
IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
Integrate robust, evidence-based defensive driving and road safety education into the school curriculum. Offer workshops, seminars, and guest speaker sessions focused on the dangers of drunk driving.
ENSURE YOUR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS ARE NOT JUST TRUSTWORTHY, BUT EXCEPTIONAL
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FAQs
Why should teenagers consider defensive driving courses?
Why should teenagers consider defensive driving courses?
Defensive driving courses teach crucial skills like hazard awareness and safe manoeuvring, preparing teens for unpredictable road conditions and reducing accident risks.
What age can teenagers start taking defensive driving courses?
What age can teenagers start taking defensive driving courses?
Courses are typically available to teens around 16 years and older. It is preferable that teenagers have some concept of driving, whether they are actively taking driving lessons or already hold their driver's license.
How long does a defensive driving course for teenagers usually take?
How long does a defensive driving course for teenagers usually take?
Courses vary in length, but Drive Sense courses are generally completed in a single day from 8am to 3pm, depending on the depth of instruction, or type of booking.
What topics are covered in a defensive driving course for teenagers?
What topics are covered in a defensive driving course for teenagers?
Courses cover topics such as traffic laws, safe driving habits, handling emergencies, the dangers of distractions and impaired driving, emergency manoeuvres, knowing yourself as a driver and more. (Please learn more on our defensive driving page)
Why should schools allocate valuable classroom time to provide students with defensive driving training?
Why should schools allocate valuable classroom time to provide students with defensive driving training?
In matters of life and death, parents and caregivers are left with little reassurance that their children will encounter the safe roads that were once the norm, leaving them in a constant state of worry.
Consequently, the best option for parents is to rely on defensive driving courses like this one, which offer young drivers the best chance of accident avoidance. Defensive driving has become as vital as other essential life skills.
There is a concern that many parents and caregivers may not fully understand the benefits of defensive driving courses and may overlook the need for their children to receive proper training. However, schools can step in to bridge this gap.
Young drivers are required by law to complete 20 lessons, each lasting 30 minutes, providing them with only 10 hours of road experience. This is clearly insufficient to prepare them for the complexities and risks of driving. In any other potentially dangerous activity, far more training would be mandated to ensure safety.
By making sure that every young driver is adequately trained, schools can help to minimise the dangers and risks faced by young people well into adulthood, while also alleviating parental concerns about their children's safety.
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