Page 43 - OHS, October 2024

derstand is that our tolerance for risk can change in a moment
based on our internal state and the events around us.
Our emotional state is one of the personal factors that can cause
changes in our willingness to take risks. Stress, anger, overconfi -
dence, and fatigue are a few of these factors.
Our expectations play a huge role in the process. If we live in
a world of “shoulds”—we drive with the expectation that others
should drive properly or safely, respect our space, and follow the
rules—then we are setting ourselves up for a stressful trip. When
another driver doesn’t meet our expectations and doesn’t do what
they should do, we may respond in anger and fi nd that our willing-
ness to take an unsafe risk escalates.
Changing Driver Expectations for Better Outcomes
Anger at other drivers’ behavior and frustration with traffi c can
cause us to take chances; so can minor problems, like running late.
If you honestly ask yourself if you have ever done something
downright dangerous while driving under the infl uence of stress
or frustration, you will likely say yes.
You see, most people are good drivers, except during moments
when they become angry, frustrated, or otherwise infl uenced by
factors that elevate risk tolerance.
Changing expectations is just one stress reduction technique
that can make a major diff erence in driver attitudes and behavior.
But most driving courses fail to consider it and instead bore driv-
ers with reviews of rules that most already know and, for the most
part, follow.
When we live in a world of “is” instead of “should,” we drive
with the expectation that there will be discourteous or rude driv-
ers, and that there will be traffi c tie-ups and delays. We are armed
now, however, with the knowledge and tools to safely and responsi-
bly manage ourselves in these stressful situations. Th is goes a long
way towards reducing risk-taking behavior behind the wheel of the
company truck or our personal vehicles.
To make changes in fl eet safety, simple driver training is only
part of the solution. Defensive driving courses or refresher training
that focuses only on driving rules and techniques miss the critical
issue of personal factors and attitudes that change risk tolerance.
To be eff ective, driver safety training and education must focus
on driver attitudes about risk and stress and provide more mean-
ingful and workable tools that employees can use to self-manage
these states.
“He cut me off ” just doesn’t cut it as an excuse for retaliatory
behavior that results in an incident.
Spencer McDonald is the President at Th inking Driver, where they
develop and deliver fl eet driver safety programs for municipalities and
corporate clients. With more than 30 years of experience in the fi eld,
McDonald is dedicated to improving driver safety through comprehen-
sive education and training.
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www.ohsonline.com OCTOBER 2024 | Occupational Health & Safety 43