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For INSTRUCTORS |
Learner's Behaviour/Personality How to built confidence in Learner |
| from an instructor's experience |
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For INSTRUCTORS |
Learner's Behaviour/Personality How to built confidence in Learner |
| from an instructor's experience |
The handsome looking young man in his early twenties in the driver’s seat appeared nervous. Nothing unusual when learning to drive. I asked the usual question: ‘Have you ever been involved in a crash or had a bad experience as a cyclist, passenger or pedestrian?” Many times I get an affirmative answer, which explains a learners apprehension.Aversion Therapy
In this case, however, he was quite sure there was no incident he can remember. After probing a little deeper, I discovered the reason for his apparent fear. It is an over-reaction to ‘Aversion Therapy’. I did not know this term, until listening to a radio program. I learned it is a psychological technique, where, in the case of novice drivers, they are shown videos of car crashes: Blood, twisted metal, ambulances, severed limbs etc. A visiting policeman presents this as part of a ‘road safety program’. A young person in a wheelchair may also attend, driving the message even deeper.
The message is: Do stupid things with this weapon and this is the result.
I question the road safety value of Aversion Therapy. A certain personality type, those that take things to heart, may develop a fear, that can get blown out of all proportions. The aversion to driving may be so great, that they take years to even have the courage to book a driving lesson.From a driving instructors point of view, I prefer students that have a healthy respect for the danger of a motor vehicle. Nothing will replace learning low-risk techniques plus a healthy attitude by parents, to put safe confident drivers on the road. Fatal crashes are a regular feature on the news; is that not enough warning?
A child learning to swim, also learns water safety. Would showing a graphic video of a person drowning produce a better swimmer or one that’s scared of water? What’s your view?
Your safety is
DRIVING PLUS
Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.
