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MASTER CLASS driver visability This month Toni Marshall suggests that behaviour management for drivers on our roads is all about visibility Visibility Driver DRIVER VISIBILITY IS THE single key element of road safety – "Keep your eyes on the road!" "Turn on your lights so others can see you!" "Look ahead and look behind you – make sure you know where you are and what is around you at all times!" These were the trinity of road commandments that my Dad bestowed on me as I learnt to drive. I must say they have kept me safe for over 35 driver', or maybe a 'boy racer', we still mostly remain unidentified. It is my assertion that we would all drive with a greater sense of care and consideration if, as drivers, who we were was made VERY public. This would involve all your key details being displayed on the vehicle as you drove it. My theory has some research support. Driver responsibility has been shown to increase when the driver is driving a vehicle that has Mother of three. Married to Andrew. Currently have clean driving license. Phone 0880 800800. Such exposure would make me so much more aware of every motoring decision I make on every journey I took. Having every driver aware of who I was and some personal information about me would make me 100% accountable every time I drove. Currently we may blush for a moment when sense of care and consideration if, as drivers, who we were was made very public. This would involve all your key details being displayed on the vehicle as you drove it." "It is my assertion that we would all drive with a greater years of driving and I thank him for that. Yet they are pretty obvious aren't they? Well no, they aren't actually, as far too many tragedies continue to occur due to simple lapses in concentration and a focus on being seen and seeing all that is around you! Just how do we make every driver think and focus on the road and other road users every time they drive? It is here that total visibility could become a powerful tool! Let me explain – as a general rule all road users remain anonymous. While we may be identified as being part of a driving group; 'an idiot', an 'inconsiderate 62 | www.hermagazine.co.nz some sort of identification beyond a number plate. More company vehicles that have significant sign writing on them are involved in incidents and caught speeding than plain company cars. Truck drivers' habits were shown to change significantly once a sign was attached to the rear of the vehicle. The signs that invited other drivers to call and comment on the drivers behaviours worked to a degree, so that even good driving patterns were reported. Imagine this – you are in your car driving to work, and displayed on the front and rear of your car is the following: Toni Marshall. we are inconsiderate or rude to other drivers, but there is very little consequence for such actions. Absolute visibility would stop negative road behaviours instantly. My idea does require both social and mechanical engineering to become a reality, as we don't always drive the same vehicle or our own vehicle, but it is worth reflecting on. So for now how about we all just sign write our cars with our names and phone details. Be proud not only of who we are, but also of our safe driving habits! Toni Marshall