EUGENE HERBERT
As drivers near the end of another busy and difficult year, patience and tempers are shorter while driving and decisions may not be as well though-out as they should be. This results in needless mistakes, frustration and additional challenges for other weary drivers as well as yourself.
As the world heads towards a new year, drivers need to avoid letting mental fatigue affect their driving in the lead up to Festive Season closures.
The consequences of letting impatience and frustration blur decision making will only add further difficulty to the end of your year.
It may also result in starting your break with additional stressors if you are in a collision or affected by aggressive driving – provided there are not more serious injuries or even death. If you are feeling mentally fatigued, make a concerted effort to avoid falling victim to this, to make it safely through the last few weeks of 2024.
Stay calm
Drivers are more likely to make a mistake as the year draws to a close. Conversely, you are also likely to encounter even more drivers that purposefully drive with little thought for other road users. Irrespective of the cause, it is essential to not let this affect your own decisions on the road.
Every time a driver cuts you off, breaks a law or simply makes a mistake, take a breath before reacting. Rather focus on avoiding their actions without endangering yourself or other drivers. Additionally, select music or podcasts before leaving to set you in the right frame of mind throughout a trip.
Don’t risk it
There may be instances where you are tempted to abandon defensive driving to save some time or avoid other hold-ups. No matter how short your patience is, defensive driving is the key to avoiding collisions.
Defensive driving is also what will help you remain calm by directing your attention to the obstacles other drivers create with their risky actions. It will also ensure you avoid becoming the driver that causes another to become frustrated or aggressive.
The Festive Season is also a time with more social gatherings and consumption of alcohol. “Do not let the anticipation of the coming holiday period lower your inhibitions enough to drink and drive. Before leaving for an event, organise a safe way to get home and avoid the temptation that may arise after a few drinks.
Take a break
Do not let your mental fatigue mar your holiday travels. Avoid booking your end of year holiday directly after you finish work for the year. Take some time to relax and start your holiday travels refreshed.
If you are not fortunate to enjoy an end of year break, consider options that will not mix mental fatigue and driving. “Use ride-share or public transport, keep your driving to a minimum, start or end trips earlier or later to avoid congestion, set virtual meetings, carpool or choose from many other options. What will work best, depends on your unique work situation.
Do not let the pandemonium that occurs on the road as end of year closures approach, affect you. Make a commitment before you get in your vehicle to rise above whatever challenge is encountered.
Eugene Herbert is the CEO of South Africa-based MasterDrive
About MasterDrive
MasterDrive is a results-driven, driver training organisation that engages with and assists companies in managing driver risk interventions.
The company was established in 1999 and became part of the RAC Group (established in 1997) some 9 years later – in 2008 – and has expanded its field of operation to cover the African continent with dedicated branches in SA’s three main centres.
To that end MasterDrive has a dedicated team of professional, internationally accredited instructors who deliver training on a range of programs that encompass the full spectrum of vehicles – from motorbikes to cars to busses and trucks.
In addition to delivering internationally proven defensive driving courses the company also offers training required by legislation – dangerous goods and forklift – bespoke courses are also available to corporates and emergency services, all with a view to changing and developing driver behaviour.
The company’s proven track record with a number of SA’s top 500 companies ensures that it is a viable operation providing a platform for rolling out its own BBBEE transformation program that contributes toward the wellbeing of all South Africans.
MasterDrive also boasts a proud record of supporting a number of NPO’s whose drive is to educate road users on safety and so enhance the profile of changing behaviour by whatever reasonable means it can promote and offer. These include, but are not limited to, Psychometric assessments, on-road assessments and corporate safety events.
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