KNYSNA NEWS - The Road Accident Fund (RAF) in partnership with Knysna Municipality recently hosted defensive driver training, targeted at Greater Knysna taxi drivers and municipal officials.
The key to any good defensive driving strategy is to know how to avoid traffic crashes and recognise potential hazards before it is too late and the programme entails training drivers to identify and respond to road hazards in a predictable manner. They are also taught to improve their skills by reducing risks through anticipating situations and making well-informed decisions. The training programme also focuses on how drivers can overcome negative psychological factors such as unneeded stress, fatigue, emotional distress and road rage.
The RAF's 2014/2015 report highlighted that human factor is the highest contributing factor towards road crashes in South Africa.
Community Services chair, councillor Monwabisi Salaze, said, "I am glad that RAF has introduced this training initiative in the Garden Route. I am confident that the rollout of this programme will have a positive effect on the car accident stats within our area.
"I would like to thank the taxi association for allowing their drivers to attend. I understand that their time away impacted on your income, however, the training has equipped them with essential skills that they can use for years to come. We will continue to build on our partnership with the association," said Salaze.
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