This week, 17-24 May, is National Road Safety Week, an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, in collaboration with government bodies and road safety organisations. The week raises awareness of the devastating impact of road trauma and promotes the actions to reduce it.
A Monash University expert is available to discuss Wednesday’s theme ‘Travel the road to kindness’.
Dr Amanda Stephens, Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Accident Research Centre
Contact details: +61 3 9905 1191 or [email protected]
- Aggressive driving
- Navigating stress on the road
- Understanding driver aggression
The following can be attributed to Dr Stephens:
“Aggressive driving is often triggered by stress, frustration, and time pressure and the way we respond in those moments matters. Choosing patience and kindness on the road can help prevent situations from escalating and reduce risk for everyone.
There is a quieter reason why this matters. Children learn how to drive long before they hold a steering wheel, by watching the adults who drive them. The way we handle a frustrating moment today shapes the driver they may become.
Research shows that targeted programs teaching anger awareness and practical management strategies can reduce aggressive driving behaviours and support calmer, safer driving. Programs focused on understanding and reducing aggressive driving can play an important role in building safer road behaviours across the community, because every calmer driver on the road is someone's example.”
For more information on Reducing Aggressive Driving at Monash University - https://www.monash.edu/muarc/study-with-us/professional-education/reducing-aggressive-driving-program
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]
The Monash University Accident Research Centre
Through excellence in injury prevention research and translation, we support, challenge and engage citizens, communities, governments and industry to eliminate injury from all causes.The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) has a strong history of excellence in safety science research, research training and education, both professional and academic. The scope of MUARC’s work has encompassed road and transport safety, injury prevention and community safety and disaster resilience.
For more information on National Road Safety Week - https://roadsafetyweek.com.au/
