Dealing with Distracted Driving: A Focus for Instructors



Distracted driving is a term used to describe activities that divert a driver’s attention from the task of driving. Whether you’re an instructor taking the driving instructor course or a novice learner, distracted driving is one of the main focus points in driving lessons. Distractions can come in any form when driving. It can include eating, adjusting the seat, setting the radio, calling or talking on the phone, etc. Distracted driving poses a big risk to the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

For instructors in Australia, and all over the world, it is important to educate new drivers about distracted driving. Teaching new drivers about the dangers of driving distractedly makes them aware of the risks involved, encouraging them to behave responsibly. It encourages them to develop habits that help them focus better on driving. Promoting the development of safe driving habits contributes greatly to reducing accidents in the future. Any good driving instructor Sydney, Perth, or anywhere else must include distracted driving in their lessons.

What is Distracted Driving?

Any kind of activity that makes the driver lose while driving on the road is considered a distraction. Distractions can be of four main types: visual, auditory, manual, and cognitive. Visual and auditory distractions can make the driver lose focus while driving by making them take their eyes away from the road. For example,  adjusting mirrors, setting the GPS, listening to distracting music, etc. Manual distractions make you remove your hand from the wheel like eating, using the phone, reaching for items in the back, etc. Cognitive distractions consist of fantasizing, talking on the phone, tiredness, etc. which cause drivers to lose focus.

Distracted driving is the main reason behind 16% of road accidents in Australia. A survey also found that around 60% of drivers in Australia admit to using mobile phones during driving. These statistics are an indication that the casual attitude towards driving prevalent mostly in youth and novice drivers is a big cause of concern for all.

Role of Instructors in Combating Distracted Driving

Driving instructors play an important role in fighting against distracted driving. They teach new drivers to be vigilant and poised on the road. Driving instructor courses promote many proactive teaching methods that can engage students and help them retain information quickly. It also encourages thinking critically and applying your knowledge in driving responsibly.

It is essential for driving instructors to teach drivers to prioritize safety by giving them clear guidelines and making them aware of the outcome of breaking the driving rules. This gives the students clarity about what is expected of them and how to achieve it. They also learn to be accountable for their actions. Enforcing rules and regulations during lessons helps instill safe driving habits and disciplined behavior.

Strategies for Instructors

Reiterating the same point again and again isn’t enough. Driving instructors need to devise the right strategies to instill safe and responsible driving habits in young drivers today. Here are a few strategies for driving instructors: 

Promote Attentiveness in the Students

Instructors need to focus on promoting attentiveness in the students so that they can avoid distractions better. You should emphasize the repercussions of driving distractedly and clearly outline the importance of paying attention on the road. Discuss methods to stay focused while driving and encourage students to actively participate and voice their opinions. Give them real-life demonstrations or examples of the perils of driving distractedly. You can use technology to promote attentiveness by using videos, statistics, and simulations during driving lessons. But, you must also ensure that using technology does not become a distraction during the lessons. Emphasize the importance of using technology responsibly.

Teach Techniques to Manage Distractions

Another thing instructors should focus on is teaching young drivers the correct methods to manage distractions. They should build awareness among young drivers regarding distracted driving and how it can affect the drivers as well as others on the road. Make the students practice mindfulness activities like meditation, etc. to help the brain focus better. Teach them to be well-prepared before they start driving to minimize distractions. You can also use real-life scenarios or examples to help students recognize things that distract them and react to them accordingly.

Engaging Students in the Fight Against Distractions

To fight distracted driving, it is important to include students by making them aware of the dangers and teaching them the strategies to manage distractions. The best way to do this is to empower students to take responsibility for their actions while driving. Teach the students to stay alert and proactive when managing distractions. Encourage them to ask about doubts and voice their opinions regarding distractions and how to handle them. Use interactive activities to make them recognize what causes them to lose focus and how to handle it accordingly. Give feedback and encouragement wherever necessary.

Include Parents and Community

To teach students to drive safely, instructors can also ask for active participation from parents and the community. Parents can also play a part in instilling the need for alertness during driving among novice learners. They can also teach the students by example, showing their model behavior in handling distractions and staying alert. Instructors can also collaborate with local organizations on various campaigns to promote awareness regarding distracted driving and responsible driving.

Evaluate Success and Give Feedback

Simply promoting awareness for distracted driving might not get results. Instructors also need to assess the student’s skills in recognizing and dealing with distractions while driving. Give the students your feedback on their driving and encourage them to make the necessary changes to stay more alert on the road. Evaluate their success in avoiding distractions and make them aware of the changes needed.

Conclusion

Driving Instructors play a pivotal role in preventing distracted driving and instilling safe driving habits among the new drivers. We need better instructors who can focus on teaching students to handle distractions and drive responsibly. Reputed driving schools like the Academy of Road Safety have some great driving instructor courses to prepare better instructors for a brighter future of driving in the world.

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