RoSPA Level 2 Award in Defensive Driving

Course Description

This is our most popular course and varies from delegate to delegate, as the trainers will tailor the course to suit the development needs of each and every driver. Drivers will be taught a systematic approach to hazards and defensive driving techniques to minimize risk in the driving environment. The principles will then be applied to the three main driving environments – City and motorway.

ROSPA’s Defensive Driving course incorporates a theoretical workshop and a practical defensive driving demonstrations and assessment. Each course is tailored to the needs of individual delegates following a training needs assessment. It is designed to form part of a life-long program of driver development.

Introduction

The Theory Workshop provides an ideal opportunity for employees to ensure that all those who drive for work purposes understand the principles of defensive driving. By concentrating on the theory that underpins competent driving on today’s roads this workshop provides a cost effective means to improve the driving abilities of all employees. The workshop uses hard-hitting film clips and interactive activities to encourage the development of a positive attitude to driving whilst generating an understanding of how personal factors can affect the level of risk and overall driving behaviours.

• Training shall consist of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive video, written material, practical driving)
• Each candidate will undergo a theory assessment (multiple-choice questions) and a practical assessment as well as eye testing.

Course Objective

The training objectives of the course include the following;

- Knowledge of the reality of occupational road risk and how to manage it

- Group discussion covering contributory causes of accidents

- Practical coaching session covering the application of defensive driving principles

- Vehicle check

- Demonstration drive and individual driving assessments with coaching and advice

- Validation of learning points and key areas for improvement, and a qualified performance report

Target Audience

All drivers including members of the public and those who drive for work purposes

Course Outline

The course will cover the following topics

• Introductions
• Course objectives
• Safety moment
• Local and International Accident Statistics

• country specific statistics analysis over the past 9 years

• Causes of Accidents

• Bad Driving Behaviors
• Tailgating
• Undertaking
• Poor lane discipline
• Not using indicators
• Aggressive driving / Road Rage
• Not wearing seatbelt
• Driver’s bad seating position
• Speed
• Excess Speed
• Inappropriate/Unsafe Speed
• Driver Fatigue
• Driving under the influence (Drugs or Alcohol)
• Jumping Red lights
• Distractions
• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Reading, including maps
• Scenery outside
• Adjusting mirrors while driving
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
• Using a navigation system
• Loud music

• The 5 main distractions
• Route Problems
• Mental Disturbances
• Scenery
• In Car Disturbances
• Unfamiliar Driving Task

• Country Specific Driving Environment Defensive Driving Definition in practice
• Highway Lanes
• U Turns
• Roundabouts
• Junctions
• Traffic Signals
• Wrong overtaking
• Tailgaters
• Over speeding
• Motorcyclists

• Know your Vehicle
• Vehicle check (Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber, Driver’s metal and physical state)

• Tires Seat Belts purpose and functions
• Proper inflation, over inflation, and under inflation
• Manufacturing date and recommendations
• Winter and Summer tires
• Tire ratings
• How to check and select your tires
• Airbags purpose, functions and dangers
• Head Restrains purpose
• Antilock braking systems (ABS) Functions
• Electronic stability program (ESP)
• Effects of speed in a collision
• Effects of speed on stopping distance
• Effects of speed while cornering
• Attitude
• Concentration (Loops of concentrations)
• Observation Anticipation (Avoid inattention)
• Senses and driving
• Seeing the distances
• Central vision and side vision
• Keeping up to date with observation
• Avoiding assumptions
• Avoiding inattention 
• Use of mirrors
• Blind Spots
• Manage your space
• Forward/Early Planning
• Space = Timing
• System of Car Control Lane  discipline (Position & Acceleration)
• Information, Position, Speed and Acceleration
• Taking, using and giving information
• Aiming High in steering
• Getting the big picture
• Keeping your eyes moving
• Leaving yourself an out (Lateral Spacing)
• Make sure they see you (Communication)
• Overtaking manoeuver
• Environment Considerations. Night Driving considerations
• Driving in sand storms
• Driving in rain storms
• Driving in fog
• Driving under excessive heat
• Driving in high wind