Drive defensively or go back to school

The countless deaths on Mpumalanga’s roads have raised concerns, with the call for increased road-safety awareness.

One can argue that drivers’ development start when they first climb into a car. Many of them do not understand the responsibility that comes with driving and some have the wrong attitude about it.

Transport is crucial these days with most jobs requiring a driver’s licence. One of the best investments beginners can make, is to join a driving school. Not only will it build their confidence but it will make life easier when facing the stressful driver’s test.

“Joining a driving school is a big advantage, especially in today’s society where it has become a challenge to obtain a licence,” said Frederik van Wyk, driving instructor at Action Savers Driving School.

Frederik’s dad Willem started the school in 1991 and has been in the industry for 23 years. “It is important to join a well-known driving school as well, as most of them have a good relationship with the testing centres. If they know you have been taught well, they will have more confidence in your ability.”

The current system used for all driver’s tests in South Africa is the K53. According to Van Wyk this is structured with only a few differences depending on the testing station.

“One examiner might suggest using your handbrake at every stop sign, while another might focus more on observations.”

According to Van Wyk the driving school will take beginners through the whole driving test beforehand to simulate the experience.

“The school will personalise the training depending on the skills level of each driver. When all is said and done we want them to be able to obtain any licence with their new-found skills.”

One of the biggest challenges for any driving instructor is the uncertainty, according to Van Wyk. “I have to trust the driver and you really need bags of patience. You also need to understand the driver and adapt to his ability while teaching.”

It is also important for the driver to feel comfortable, especially when starting to learn the basics. Even when they make mistakes, instructors should not get angry or scream at them.

“My job is to help the driver and build his confidence on the road. I will rather laugh at a mistake, show him the correct way and see progress in the next lesson,” he emphasised.

One of the critical aspects to safer driving and avoiding accidents is the driver’s mentality. A K53 emphasises the importance of defensive driving, in other words respecting other road users and not only believing that you own the road.

“Accidents occur because people drive with the wrong attitude. Driving is not about speed or spinning tyres – it’s about arriving safely from point A to B.”

According to the Arrive Alive website, the major threats to road safety include a lack of self-respect and a disregard for road rules.

“It is important not to take your frustration and anger with you into the car. Calm down, take a deep breath and relax,” the website stated. A driving school is not only for beginners as most driving schools also provide an advanced driving course that addresses specific ways to avoid accidents and how to drive on slippery roads.

Your concentration and subsequent reactions can either enable you to avoid a collision or become another statistic.