Brake before the bend . . . please!

Date: 30th Monday, January, 2017

Our love affair with vehicles and the thrill of speed is an enduring part of the human psyche.  Many of us are speed-junkies at heart.  With technology delivering high performance ‘as standard’ even basic models can now achieve impressive acceleration and eye-wateringly high speeds.  As a result, we just can’t stop ourselves on occasions from driving a little too fast.  We just don’t give it a second thought.  Unfortunately, this mind-set has its consequences and particularly on our rural roads.  Despite the active campaigns to create awareness of this behaviour, statistics show a worrying trend.  According to the Government’s Think initiative (http://think.direct.gov.uk/) unbelievably, on average, three people die in accidents on rural roads every day.  In 2015, this amounted to 10,307 dead or seriously injured people in Great Britain.  Not giving our actions a second thought is a typical, arguably modern, behaviour that reflects a selfish outlook.  The tendency to think ‘it will never happen to me’ becomes the psychological get-out-of-jail card.  But the statistics show probability far greater than winning the lottery – and most of us (if we are honest) think we are in with a chance when we select our lucky numbers – albeit a small one!  Even in the face of terrifyingly, ‘real’ figures, many continue to ignore the risks of speeding.  Our roads are becoming busier - partly due to the sheer number of vehicles but also because of changing work culture.  People are commuting longer distances and home working is now a standard practise – even in the sticks!  We are also seeing a growth in the popularity of cycling which has brought its own challenges to road users.  All in all, driving in rural areas is fraught with danger and speeding only increases the chances of accidents occurring.  The million-dollar question is: what can we do to stop this trend?   A big stick – large fines – bans or maybe upskilling - making a driving licence more difficult to attain?   Perhaps the greatest skill to develop is anticipation.  Thinking what may happen, considering what others may do and modifying driving accordingly.  The obvious situations would include sharp or blind bends, the brow of a hill and concealed entrances.  Possibly these skill sets should be included in initial driver training? As important in many situations are patience and consideration.  Whilst these qualities cannot be taught per se – they most certainly need to be part of our list of essential attitudes.  In the end, it is down to the individual to make the right decisions and bear the consequences and of their actions.

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For more information please contact:

Neil Yorke
The Best Connection Group Ltd
e-mail: neil.yorke@thebestconnection.co.uk
www.thebestconnection.co.uk

or

Jan Blann
Market Notions
Tel/Fax. 01926 843693
Mobile.  07976 284248
e-mail: jan@marketnotions.com

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