Tom's Story - How He Saved a Life
David Somers, FCILT
The Operators Friend | e-learning Expert | Advisor to Owners and Transport Managers | Professional Development for Drivers | Worshipful Company of Carmen
I delivered a Driving Sense Workshop recently, which is always thought provoking.
Despite some resistance from some drivers on adopting the 20 mph around schools and built up areas, everyone present eventually got and understood why it was so important and for one driver the possible consequences became crystal clear only a short time later…..
So let’s call him Tom
Tom used to drive to work the same way, which meant he went speeding past a school, he saw no need to drive at 20mph – it slowed him down and was an inconvenience, so he would drive past the school at between 35mph to 40 mph. That was his habit.
After attending the Workshop he started to break the habit, he became much more aware of his surrounding and his actions. He slowed down and kept within the speed limit, realising its 20 mph for a reason. A week later he came in to see the fleet manager and said:
“Wow am I glad I did the workshop that made me realise why I should drive at 20mph past the local school.
I am so relieved as this morning if I had been driving how I used to drive I would have killed a little girl … she just ran out in front of me from between two cars parked near the school.
I didn’t even hit her … she was unaware that she had been in danger. My heart was racing as the reality “hit home” that my new driving habits saved a child’s life.
I cannot thank you enough for the training and how I now drive I am a much safer driver”.
We cannot be responsible for others actions, but we can be responsible for our own! Please pass on to your colleagues and drivers this message that it is 20 for a reason.
20 mph gives you in the time it takes you to react:
- less distance covered
- quicker stopping time
than if you are driving at 30 to 40 mph