The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched a new book to help drivers understand how their attitude, mood, health and other human factors can affect the way they drive.
The book, Better Driving, has been produced by the DVSA in partnership with Dr Lisa Dorn, a leading psychologist in the field of driver behaviour.
Better Driving aims to help drivers develop their skills in driving situations which may be unfamiliar such as motorways, complicated junctions or driving in bad weather. The book has advice on how to recognise risks, avoid distractions and overcome anxieties to help drivers become safer and more confident.
Dr Lisa Dorn said: “Many experienced drivers face challenges; from a lack of confidence on motorways, to how to adapt to new technology, such as driving whilst following instructions from a sat-nav.
“Despite these challenges, few drivers actually take the time to rectify them, which can cause anxiety and stress, and make driving an unpleasant experience.
“This book will help address these issues, encouraging drivers to self-reflect, giving concrete advice and helping them to gain more confidence in their driving abilities.”
Lesley Young, DVSA, said: “Learning to drive doesn’t end with the driving test, and drivers who take part in continuous training and update their skills are more likely to be safe, confident and considerate.
“Awareness of their own tendencies behind the wheel and how to counteract any negative behaviours plays a major part in keeping drivers and their fellow road users safe.”
Oh, dear. Lisa Dorn has got back into the act. I understand it was she who initially wrote the first part in the 1994 RC only for it to be replaced by the very excellent material by Dr. Gordon Sharp. Dr. Sharp did a lot of good work with the Scottish (Police) Driving School at Tulliallan Castle which resulted in the excellent book Human Aspects of Police Driving. Although designed for police officers there is quite a lot in there which is very useful for normal road driving.
Nigel Albright
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A worthwhile publication on the face of it. Learning to drive sufficient to pass a driving test is only the beginning. However, continuous training I am not so sure about. Certainly a course of further driving tuition involving awareness and attitude would be almost essential, for it is in the attitude of a mindset that many bad driving habits are born. Once recognised for what they are and acted upon, changes a drivers approach to using vehicles and the road in general – and at least in my own case – lasts a lifetime.
Derek Reynolds, Salop.
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