Just a thought . . . Have you ever considered how your actions & attitude behind the wheel influence the children on-board?
In an earlier blog post I made the observation that an increasing number of drivers appear to be using a mobile phone behind the wheel. Even though I’m certain that said drivers will be fully aware of the consequence of their actions should they be stopped by the Police (or worse should they injure themselves of someone else because of it), many drivers will think nothing of doing so. That in itself is concerning enough (and a particular personal annoyance of mine . . .), however the secondary concerning factor worried me even more-so.
I noticed that a number of drivers were using their mobile phones whilst transporting small children. I mentioned at the time that my main concern was for the safety & welfare of the children, however, my other concern was the example being set to the children on-board.
Studies have shown that children begin to form their opinions on road safety and what makes a ‘good’ driver from around the age 18 months, and by the age of four, their brain is almost fully developed. Personally I believe that to a large extent children grow to become a product of their environment. In their formative years, the environment they grow-up in and examples set around them almost fully influence opinions of right & wrong, good & bad, acceptable & unacceptable behaviour etc.
This attitude doesn’t stop with mobile phone use: It is relevant to all aspects of driver behaviour.
Concerning attitudes towards driving, I feel that the only real chance we have of forming positive attitudes is through structured education from an early age. Hopefully this, in time, by having a process whereby we can form opinions rather than try to change them, would make the roads a safer place in general, and of course save a few lives in the process – and who doesn’t want that . . ?
Here’s hoping . . .
Please take a moment to click on the YouTube link below which will take you to a quite powerful short film on the subject.
Stay safe folks!
Chris
Watch here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHlzjcGnHZg
Facebook post link:
https://www.facebook.com/drivingschoolssunderland/posts/603271463046889