Thatsnews wrote:
1) Better training of drivers. Also, does the theoretical part of the test work? Or would it be better to have a short theoretical section and much more practical assessment? Like maybe a two part assessment/driving test?
2) Better training of pedestrians, especially children.
1) On the basis that experience is one of the best ways to learn how to drive, how about we 'give' them this before they get on the road - so lets have a whole host of driving 'games' / dvd or even simulators. So rather than 'hazard perception 'tests' which have (did for motorbike test), nothing to do with real life, and teach next to nothing about 'potential hazards' but how to understand when to click to gain the maximum points.
I think that understanding signs are important, and for some it has to be a 'learning' exercise but there could be loads of ways in which this can be treated with much more fun, and 'reality' than the 'paper' test.
But we all learn differently. Part of this is that we are also taught differently, so to match the right teacher, with the right pupil, is first necessary to understand how you learn, and then to look for the right teacher - or vice-versa.
I think that the first year of driving should include FREE on-going training. We have proved that with the current test - in principal is working, but could be improved. There is I think a balance of ongoing 'real world' experience that you need to start to draw from to help you understand and to develop your growing skills.
Training has show to improve driving despite some of the down-sides.
I like the idea of a graduated license that helps to encourage more training, so that the gained 'abilities' are 'rewarded' in this is self perpetuating self improvement safer driving scheme.
I like the information films ! (In another thread, I am proposing that *we* start making them again) ...
These films can cover all aspects of road care, from pedestrians, cyclists, horse and bike riders, car and lorry drivers etc ...
Then again we could start driver / rider education for children (like the States) but do it 'our' way of course ...