Safety on the road: better driving means fewer accidents

In the media, headlines such as «Young driver wrecks 500 hp sports car» or «20-year-old crashes into crash barrier during overtaking maneuver with sports car» keep popping up. However, explanations such as «overspeeding» or «too much engine power» fall short here. In most cases, «bad driver» would probably be more appropriate - after all, it is usually male drivers who cause such accidents.

Overwhelmed or distracted
Although such accidents are particularly spectacular due to the often enormous personal injury and vehicle damage, they are «merely» representative of the vast majority of road accidents: it is neither the vehicle technology nor the possibly adverse visibility and weather conditions that are at fault, but the driver of the car. Regardless of whether they are overwhelmed by engine power or distracted by their phone and touchscreen.

All road users have to live with this truism, even though a very simple solution is available: Driving courses. As long as a new driver has not attended an advanced driving course after completing basic training with a driver's license, they simply do not know that they are not nearly as good at driving as they think they are. This is also shown by relevant surveys in which a majority of drivers describe themselves as «above-average drivers».

Speed limits, driver assistance systems with speed and distance control, as well as roadside signs may provide useful support in many cases. However, they are not very effective in preventing accidents. A better-trained driver, on the other hand, is able to assess speeds, road conditions and vehicle distances in such a way that he adapts his driving style and thus avoids the risk of accidents.

Driving courses for all
Good drivers not only contribute to greater road safety on the roads, they are also more relaxed behind the wheel. And this is good for the general mood in road traffic, which is at a worryingly low level due to today's usual congestion and traffic jams. This is because stressed drivers are naturally also more likely to be involved in accidents.

The Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) offers various courses for passenger car, motorcycle and commercial vehicle training at ten driving centers throughout Switzerland. There you can practise in a safe environment what you want to avoid at all costs on the road: emergency braking, controlled skidding and quickly avoiding obstacles. In addition to the standard training courses, TCS even puts together individually tailored course programs for clubs or groups. The courses take place on tracks with water obstacles, skid plates and large sliding surfaces. The aim is to provide plenty of driving fun - by car or motorcycle.

As there are also people among SUV and off-road vehicle fans who actually want to go «off-road» with their vehicles, the TCS also organizes learning drives over hill and dale at the Betzholz driving center in Hinwil ZH. The traffic club also offers driving training and events on the only circuit in Switzerland in the center of Lignières NE. Other special course programs are offered in the classic car and Porsche Pilot driving training courses.

Faster on the road
The Automobile Club of Switzerland (ACS) also supports road safety by offering a wide range of driving courses. Participants should learn how to keep their own vehicle under control even in difficult situations. The club differentiates between very different driver needs and vehicle categories. For example, you can take part in a taster course to find out more about switching from a combustion engine to an electric car - from the characteristic features of electric cars to charging options, ranges and solutions in the event of a breakdown. The course also includes two hours of electric driving practice.

ACS driving courses for senior citizens are specially designed for people with many years of experience behind the wheel. The aim is to refresh driving skills and theoretical knowledge. Training on ice and snow also provides an impressive experience. At the airfield in Saanen BE, the feeling of driving on slippery roads can be refined. You can even practice controlled drifts on these slopes - there is no danger of crashing.

For the new drivers mentioned at the beginning, who are particularly accident-prone and like to drive vehicles with high horsepower, it is highly recommended that they learn the basics of sports driving. Together with active or former racing drivers, participants are guided step by step to their technical and personal driving limits at the Interlaken BE airfield. Next stage: the license course in Hockenheim (D), the high school of driving, so to speak. Licensed instructors teach the basic concepts and practice of racing driving technique. After an introductory theory, the first of a total of ten practical lessons are driven. These include cornering techniques in slow and fast bends with variable cornering radii and inclinations as well as cornering radii.

Driving dynamics - the behavior of the vehicle at the limits - and safe braking with evasive action are also explicitly trained. After the two-day event, the organizer guarantees better driving technique and control of the vehicle in all driving situations. And the impetuous young driver knows why he must treat the 500 hp in the rear-wheel drive sports car with respect. And, of course, the various car brands also offer sports or winter driving training courses specially tailored to their customers. The best thing to do here is to simply ask the next time you visit a garage or take a look at the brand's website.

Unequal road users
But it is not only behind the wheel that road safety needs to be increased: Dangerous situations also arise time and again when cars and motorcycles or bicycles are traveling on the same roads. This calls for the utmost attention. Road traffic accidents involving bicycles are not only dangerous, they also place a considerable burden on the healthcare system. Suva speaks of 240 million francs per year. SUVA now wants to change this with a broad-based prevention campaign and the new Cycle Track app. The Cycle Track app works like a digital coach and supports cyclists in making their behavior on the road safer. The app analyzes journeys, identifies risky manoeuvres and shows where particular caution is required.