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Road Safety Be a Thinking Driver Ambassador

Hi, my name is Owen, and I’m proud to be the Drive Treck Driving Academy Road Safety Ambassador committed to making our roads safer for everyone. Today, I want to share how being a thinking driver can transform your experience behind the wheel, and help you become a more confident and responsible driver.

Objectives of a Thinking Driver

As a road safety ambassador, my goals include:

  1. Be a Thinking Driver: Stay alert and actively engaged with the driving environment.
  2. Be Fit to Drive: Ensure physical and mental readiness before getting behind the wheel.
  3. Make Good Decisions:
    • Keep learning and improving your driving skills.
    • Plan your driving by anticipating the actions of others and adjusting accordingly.
    • Predict the scene by scanning ahead and identifying potential hazards.
    • Think for yourself by avoiding distractions and relying on your instincts.
  4. Take Responsibility:
    • For yourself as the driver.
    • For your passengers’ safety.
    • For protecting other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and fellow drivers.

Scenario: A Thinking Driver in Action

The Situation

You’re driving through a busy downtown intersection. The light turns green, and you prepare to move forward. As you begin, a pedestrian suddenly steps onto the crosswalk from the right, looking distracted by their phone. Meanwhile, another car to your left seems to inch forward, potentially trying to run the light.

The Challenge

How do you proceed safely while ensuring the safety of all road users, including the pedestrian, other drivers, and your passengers?


Solution: Applying the Thinking Driver Approach

  1. Stay Alert:
    Stop behind the white line from the pedestrian crosswalk.  Keep scanning the intersection. Notice the pedestrian’s movement in the centre of the intersection and the person on the right, and the car to your left. Wait until the intersection is cleared and the proceed.
  2. Predict the Scene:
    Anticipate the actions of both the pedestrian and the other driver. Assume they may act unpredictably.
  3. Plan Your Driving:
    Wait until the intersection is cleared and the proceed when it is green.
  4. Think for Yourself:
    Resist the urge to move forward just because the light is green. Consider the risks of rushing versus waiting a few extra seconds.
  5. Take Responsibility:
    By stopping and letting the pedestrian cross safely, you’ve avoided a potential collision. The car is already running the light, you’ve created enough distance to react safely and avoid an incident.

Final Thoughts

Being a thinking driver means staying proactive, alert, and responsible in all situations. By keeping these principles in mind, we can all contribute to safer roads. Let’s continue learning, thinking, and driving responsibly to protect ourselves and others.

I wish you all have a happy new year (2025).

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