March 23, 2012

$3.97 USD

D R I V I N G P S Y C H O L O G Y and the Professional Driver

By: Steve Powers
Anyone involved with motor carrier safety continually questions; does a well-trained, experienced driver make for a professional driver? This is a great question to ponder when reviewing the companys CSA BASIC scores. The answer to this question ranks right up there with; what came first, the chicken or the egg? Inquiring minds have delved into Philosophy, Psychology, Neurology and sometimes, Mysticism to figure it out. A renowned Psychologist, Dr. Leon James, has spent years researching the subject, writing many papers, articles and a book titled, Principles of Driving Psychology. Dr. James presents quite an extensive review of the human psyche and how it affects driving behavior. Some of his findings are shared herewith. Without going into psychoanalysis of the human psyche, we can agree that our conscience is part of who we are. The conscience can be defined as our inner sense of selfrespect. Some peoples consciences are possessed with self-interest (uncaring, opportunistic with zero feelings to others) while others are possessed with morality (respect, compliance to rules and regulations, and politeness) then, we have everyone elses conscience in between. All these different consciences share one denominator; the conscience dictates behavior and behavior adjusts to circumstance. Now you are thinking, what does this have to do with being a professional driver? The commercial motor vehicle driver operates in a socioeconomic environment. In essence, that driver must work in a society where the truck he drives generates revenue; either for him/herself or the employer. Daily, the driver faces circumstances created by other drivers, Federal, State and Local regulations, adherence to pick-up and delivery schedules, safety, maintenance, inclement weather and home environment. How the driver reacts to these circumstances is directly related to his/her conscience which dictates their driving behavior. Driver consciences being more of the self-interest pattern tend to be aggressive, competitive and confrontational. The driver consciences being more to the morality side tend to be more cooperative, compassionate and safe. Regardless of the drivers training, skills, experience, habits and beliefs, their behavior is directly influenced by their conscience. So, can the trained, experienced driver be a professional driver? Not until that driver achieves emotional intelligence by shifting that self-interest conscience to one which is more on the morality level. Drivers with emotional intelligence accept the fact they need to take other motorists into account. Without emotional intelligence driving behavior is unprofessional, overly aggressive and too competitive. These drivers are stressful, depressive, dangerous and injurious to their own and fellow motorists health. How does the driver attain this emotional intelligence, improving their conscience, which hopefully elevates their driving behavior to that of a professional? To do so, the driver must: Hold himself/herself accountable, not blaming others for their own errors. Be concerned with the consequences of their impulses causing them to drive irrationally Show self-respect and the respect for others Be a positive role model for other drivers to emulate Recognize the diversity of other motorists: Do not react to other drivers mistakes Most of all, the professional driver must accept traffic as a collective team effort and not a means for conflict and confrontation. In todays competitive economy, Driver Managers need to understand the psychology of their drivers in order to focus on their behaviors. Effective counseling sessions can be more productive than progressive discipline; especially where the qualified driver pool is so thin. Bringing this important element of driving to your drivers attention can produce positive results, if carried out throughout the entire organization.

The Friday Safety Brief is a trademarked publication created by Professional Safety Consulting, Inc., available exclusively to PSC Insiders Circle members. Redistribution to non-members is strictly prohibited. Members have acknowledged these terms. The Friday Safety Brief is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.