The ideas behind ‘Fresh eyes’, ‘Mindfulness’ and ‘Self review’ are also helpful. This is where the skills and understanding of the engagement needed to have a positive safety conversation become key. Do you take offence or get irritated by this ‘back seat driving’ or value the safety opportunity? Think about how a conversation goes with a close friend or partner when you are the driver and they point something out about your driving. The challenge of being made aware of our habits, both positive and negative, is interesting. How often are these habits reviewed of challenged? Indeed as no one can concentrate all the time, there are plenty of other road users not being mindful and operating on auto pilot, with an associated mix of good and bad habits. Our driving ‘habits’ then build up over time. In the UK, the UK driving licence is generally trained for once, and then granted almost for life. Most of these, such as the skills we use when driving, are done unconsciously on ‘auto pilot’. If the ‘belief’ is that this is the norm, how does this influence driving behaviour?Īnother theory that is interesting to consider, in the context of driving, is the ‘Power of Habit’ (Charles Duhigg) the idea that the things we do on a daily basis are often no longer a result of deliberate thought but more ‘habits’ that have developed over time. Consider the example of speeding on the motorway – what are your thoughts if everyone else seems to be frequently driving faster than 70mph? Our belief in our abilities, our belief in what the likely outcome will be (consequence) and our belief in how our behaviour will fit into the prevailing ‘norm’. This theory explores how our beliefs influence our behaviour. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (Icek Ajzen) is useful when considering road safety behaviour. So, how can we apply the theories and principles behind culture change, to the context of changing driving habits? In our safety workshops, with clients, the experiences of road users are usually rich with examples of many of the key principles that illustrate ideas that are core to developing strong safety cultures. Our roads are a showcase for safety behaviours and cultures. This week is Road Safety Week, inspiring people across the UK to take action on road safety (not that we should wait for a special week to reflect on this subject). Mike Bridge asks if the theories behind creating culture change can help us all be better drivers… Driving Safety: What’s your theory, how’s your practice? This week across the UK, people are being inspired to take action for Road Safety Week.
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