Why do teachers teach BRAKE?: Enabling adolescent road safety through education

The need for promotion of road safety is ever-present. Adolescents are in a life stage where they are extending their road environment interaction beyond pedestrian and other forms of active transport to include operation of motorised transport.

We have a societal obligation to help our youth manage this transition through the establishment of safe driving awareness, attitudes and behaviours. Such efforts have the potential for adolescents to experience direct benefit, but importantly also extend to the safety of other road users.

BRAKE Driver Awareness provide a structured program and resources to support understanding of social, emotional and cognitive factors associated with driving behaviours. BRAKE also emphasises the role that passengers can play in safer driving behaviours. Additional benefits include the fostering of self-efficacy or confidence to make decisions in road environments that promote the safety of themselves, their passengers and other road users.

Teachers know what motivates their students and are therefore in an ideal position to foster a growth mindset and tailor road safety class discussions facilitated by BRAKE Driver Awareness resources. Another significant advantage of teachers leading the learning process is the ability to incorporate context specificity within class discussion, such as community environments and local conditions relevant to rural or urban environments.

Peer interaction during guided discussion can also be an enabling factor for engagement, critical thinking and empowerment. Teachers can create a safe space for students to share their potentially diverse experiences and thoughts for constructive discussion without fear of judgement. When such an environment is established, student learning is fostered.

In conclusion, teacher experience and intuition are invaluable for road safety education when supported by quality teaching and learning resources. We have an opportunity to positively shape the new generation of road users by fostering safe thinking, attitudes and behaviours. I encourage you to consider the resources developed by BRAKE Driver Awareness and their application for this endeavour.