Paul Oliver from Fleet Advisory continues his series of articles on Driver & Vehicle Safety – talking with Stewart Nicholls, founder of STC Education & Steer Safely. They chat about Driver Training and it’s vital role in driving optimal Driver Safety outcomes. Paul
Paul: Hi Stewart, thanks for joining me to discuss Driver Education & Training.
Stewart: Nice to be here, it’s great to talk about this subject.
Paul: How long have you been involved in Driver Training and how did you start out?
Stewart: I commenced in 1993 when I started running Driver Training programs for the North Shore Car Club. Then in 2010 I joined Ian Luff and worked with him for 10 years, during that time I was heavily involved in training at all levels of business and government, including policy development, Senate enquiries etc.
STC Education commenced operations in March 2020 (at the start of COVID).
Paul: So what changes have come about in Driver Training in recent years?
Stewart: From my point of view, we can have the safest possible vehicles on the road but if we haven’t addressed Driver Behaviour then we haven’t fixed the problem.
How we now change Driver Behaviour is with science-based evidence regarding crash causes, providing solutions to everyday driving concerns, focusing on the psychology of the driver as opposed to the skill.
Paul: Tell us about what STC Education & the Steer Safely programs.
Stewart: STC Education provides Steer Safely Driver Awareness, Defensive, Advanced, Off-Road, Towing and Load Restraint Training programs for Work Health & Safety, and retail-based courses.
Paul: Where do you provide training?
Stewart: Our Steer Safely Driver Awareness program is facilitated in the workplace, on-site. Other programs are facilitated at Sydney Dragway, Eastern Creek and TAFE NSW Quakers Hill.
The Steer Safely Driver Awareness program can also be facilitated in an online interactive presentation format via ZOOM.
Paul: Vehicles are now being released with increased levels of active safety technologies, what role do feel these play in Driver Safety?
Stewart: Active Driver Safety systems play an important role in driver safety. However, we have noticed as vehicles have become easier to drive, Drivers have become less aware, more distracted and prone to making poor decisions from a safety perspective.
It has become important for us as educators to reinforce safe driving practices, along with the consequences of poor Driver Behaviour. Drivers must be made aware that even the safest vehicle can still be crashed, with severe ramifications – both legally, and for them personally.
Paul: As a Fleet Consultant, I am passionate about ensuring fleets have appropriate policies and operational practices in place to ensure Driver Safety. Recently, I have written articles for FAN on ACAP Safety Ratings, Vehicle Safety and Fleet Policy – what’s your take on what fleets need to consider when it comes to Driver Safety & Training?
Stewart: Fleets need to consider that a driver’s behaviour and attitude can lead to increased costs, risk and inconvenience, particularly if you’re trying to replace a vehicle that has been crashed (given the incredibly long supply lead times these days).
If Drivers aren’t being trained, your costs will likely be higher for fuel, brakes, tyres and vehicle damage – leading to increased insurance premiums.
Our clients have reported a decrease in incidents of more than 40% following a training rollout.
Paul: As we transition to Electric Vehicles, are there any aspects that need to be considered with respect to safety?
Stewart: As we’re starting to see more people with electric vehicles, they report to us that pedestrians seem to walk out in front of them more often, as they don’t hear the vehicle coming.
So rather than a Driver paying less attention and relying on technology alone, they must stay extra vigilant and this needs to be highlighted via effective education and training.
Paul: Thanks Stewart, having attended several Driver Training courses myself I can vouch for having learnt a tremendous amount that I still use these days. How do people get in touch with you to discuss Driver Training?
Stewart: They can get more information from our website – www.stceducation.com.au or email me directly – stew@stceducation.com.au, or find me on Linkedin.
Paul Oliver is the Director & Principal Consultant of Fleet Advisory. Paul provides independent expert advice and fleet consulting services to business, not for profit organisations & government – see fleetadvisory.com.au
