I replied to the other one before I spotted it wasn't a new thread...
Mark Foster
advanced techniques and heuristics should be taught to new drivers?
Hmm! I had in mind simple effective things that were practical in the real world rather than a wish list of impossible items.
But in the spirit of the new thread and to try and identify a few simple things that I think will save lives:
Never make three in a bed (ie form three cars abreast on a motorway)
Visibility is everything don't rely on prayer for overtaking don't sit on other drivers blind spots
Maintain your braking distance. Do not tailgate.
Keep to the left - do not lane hog.
Weather related - slow down in fog and rain.
Check the vehicle regularly.
These should not be controversial. I expect there are plenty of other old favourites. But how about choosing say 10 that could be condensed to no more than 1 sheet of A4 as a quick crib sheet guide to safer driving.
Probably irrelevant. There are not that many worded warning signs.
Multiple choice is much faster to mark and administrate. I can't see that it would make any difference. The Japanese theory test is diabolical but they are not safe drivers.
I'd suggest that there should be a post driving test pbutt 4 lesson compulsory course on fast dual carriageway and motorway driving. I agree that we are badly served by the existing system - though I think most of the penalty is paid on the Ann(T) roads with at grade junctions.
Motorways are intrinsically much safer because of their separated traffic flows and more graceful design curves.
If you set the barrier too high you will just get loads more unlicenced uninsured drivers. Is that really what you want?
I reckon a few extra guidelines that distil some of the key wisdom to prevent new drivers developing awful bad habits when allowed out on their own might make a difference. YMMV.
Retesting drivers and re-educating those involved in serious incidents (if they survive) would be a much better use of scarce resources.
I think one way might be to have a half day refresher course about 3-5 years after pbutting the test where ordinary drivers get a chance to learn about defensive driving, skid control and reading the road ahead. If nothing else it would provide QC feedback for the driving test examiners to consider.
Bad judgement and-or impatience is the root cause of a lot of serious accidents.
Regards, Martin Brown
