Crash-free driving testimonials
When driving I am 100% committed and aware.
(Jane, Aurora Energy, Hobart, 2009)
I have learnt that nothing else matters, when I am driving my thoughts are more centered and I feel more in control.
(Lisa, Aurora Energy, Hobart, 2009)
I was surprised & relieved that I found myself automatically doing the 10+5+3+IQ and putting the tips into action.
(Sam, University of Tasmania, Crash Free participant, Hobart, 2009)
Habit almost there to remember the 10 + 5 + 3 + IQ = CFD! Having the sticker on the dash had been a talking point with other members of the family and also a good reminder.
(Peter, University of Tasmania, Crash Free participant, Hobart, 2009)
When I focus on the 10 I can sometimes feel immediately sad, because the thought of my son hearing Daddy wont be coming home is a devastating thought. But I then feel empowered as I can control whether or not is going to hear that through my actions on the road. It then leads to a sense of strength and duty.
(Anthony Cope, Proprietor, Copes Driving School, Gymea Bay, NSW and Crash Free participant, 2009)
I have often rushed, especially when going to town 100kms away. I use to like seeing how quick I could do it in, but trying to be careful at the same time. I have had near misses and knew I was taking a risk. Now my focus has shifted, life is precious and the people close to me are very precious, I would hate to miss out on our good times to come to beat a timeclock, which no one cares about. I have already slowed down as soon as I finished the course. The journey is as important as the destination.
(Wendy, Crash Free participant, Hobart, 2009)
I am much more aware of parked cars and what is happening around them within the 5 car radius and I find it makes me feel safer. I notice pedestrians between parked cars and had an incident where a short lady only 5' tall was standing between parked cars 3 - 4 car up from where I was and I noticed she thought she could get across the road in the 2 car gap which I had in front of me. Fortunately I was half expecting this and I had already rested my foot on the brake and was quick enough to stop when needed.
(Katherine, Crash Free participant, Sydney, 2009)
I need to allow time for basic essentials and driving. I stopped and had a pie on the side of the road, normally I would eat it while I drove. I only lost 5 minutes but it was obviously safer.
(Peter Davis, Crash Free participant, Hobart, 2009)
five seconds seems like a long time.... but its amazing how much more I take in with an extra two second gap.... I even avoided an accident today because I had a five second gap …
(Angela, Crash Free participant, Launceston, 2009)
I now see my right foot automatically moves off the accelerator, and covers the brake pedal now. I almost don't have to think about it, it's becoming a new habit.
(Chris, Allianz Australia, Sydney, 2009.)
I continue to concentrate on keeping sufficient distance from vehicles in front of me and feel that this has given me more time to react which was necessary yesterday afternoon when the vehicle in front on me suddenly stopped because of the vehicle in front of it. I was glad to have the space in front of me which gave me the time to stop.
(Katherine, Crash Free participant, Sydney, 2009)
Before I started this course, I would go around curves really fast and more in the middle of the road. Now, I am able to see that by going slower and driving towards my edge of the road more, I have better control over my vehicle and more time to see what is in my CAS and "5 zone"
(Madeline, Crash Free participant, Launceston, 2009)
The environment in the car (by my choice today) relatively quiet ABC Classics, windows up, comfortable driving position, yet in control of the vehicle. All this nurtures calm. Less aggro' on uncomfortable position etc.
(Neill, University of Tasmania, Crash Free Participant, Hobart, 2009)
Noticed 2 x oncoming bike riders approaching … Once I has connected with them I felt courteous to stop and allow them to continue and I passed safely after their progress past me. Good feeling and happy feeling that I had been patient. Haste and impatience are not worth the risk of being not safe. I will keep practicing more this pattern of behaviour.
(Janet, University of Tasmania, Crash Free participant, Hobart, 2009)
Before the course I was unaware of my unsafe driving habits such as thought processes that increase my agitation whilst driving; not being overly aware of five to the side; not always checking for 3 signs. Now my awareness has been clicked on I find driving is no longer a habitual process. I am constantly thinking about how safe I am as a driver and I am using the crash free method to change my bad driving habits. I am looking forward to the day when the method is natural for me and I become unconsciously aware.
(Janene, Crash Free participant, Sydney, 2009)
First instinct is still to do the 'You' statement, but it's very quickly followed by the 'I' statement. For example: I was behind a woman who got herself stuck in a choked intersection. First response: "You silly woman". Second response: "I will make extra sure that I have three seconds clearance before entering an intersection so that doesn't happen to me!"
(Rebecca, Forestry Tasmania, Hobart, 2008)
We all get busy, and the excuse I continue to use is that I only have limited time to return calls etc. I have severely spanked myself and come to a new conclusion that all of these people that I need to talk to or want to talk to me can wait until I am free. I struggled to come to grips with this at first, possibly with the belief of convenience, and I'll be all right, however, with some deeper thinking, and looking at the past, I came to the conclusion that it was not that many years ago that we didn't have mobile telephones, and that it would also not be very good to be caught using one whilst driving, considering my occupation. I now silence the phone before driving, and this seems to be working well.
(Heath Ward, Director, Graduate School of Motoring, Townsville, and Crash Free participant, 2008)
I found that my speed is within speed limits before I get to them, I don't feel the need to get angry with other drivers on the road. I allow plenty of time to get to where I'm going I think the course has been helpful it has made me more aware of the faults I had in the past and (hopefully) I will continue to remember the lessons i have learnt. Thank you.
(Keitha, Volunteer Ambulance Officer, Crash Free participant, Hobart, 2007).
