driver education newsletter - rsa and... · driver education newsletter spring issue 2017 rcpi...

September 2016 marked the 10th anniversary of the Road Safety Authority. The RSA has changed considerably since it was established back in

2006. In recent years we have come through a period of enormous growth having expanded to take on many additional roles and functions. We now have over 320 colleagues working in the RSA; many of whom are in very different roles than when they started their careers with us.

Back in 2006, 365 people were killed on Irish roads. In 2016 a total of 188 people lost their lives on the roads in 175 fatal crashes. This represented a 15% increase in fatalities and a 13% increase in fatal crashes since 2015. While good progress in road safety has been made over the long term we cannot allow complacency to set in and cause us to lose the gains of recent years. It is with the assistance of road safety training delivered by you, the professional ADI and CPC trainer that we plan to further improve road safety for all road users.

Despite the significant road safety gains of recent years we are seeing a growing number of alcohol related incidents on our roads. Launching Irish Road Safety Week last October the RSA presented the Motorcyclists Pre-Crash Report at the RSA Academic Lecture in Farmleigh, Phoenix Park in Dublin. It is one

of a suite of four reports that analyse pre-crash factors in fatal collisions 2008-2012. The Motorcyclist report showed that almost one third (29%) of motorcyclists involved in fatal collisions had consumed alcohol, and almost half of these (45%) were four times or more above the current legal limit.

While these reports cover a period that saw the greatest reduction in road deaths since records began in 1959, they do highlight worrying behaviour among road users and motorcyclists in particular, where alcohol and speed are concerned. It’s critical that those who are seasoned bikers, as well as those who are new to this mode of transport, recognise their vulnerability on the roads and take appropriate measures, such as initial and advanced training, to ensure their safety. Other road-users also need to be aware of their responsibilities when sharing the roads with motorcyclists, particularly when exiting or entering a side road or turning right.

In response to the reports, our efforts to increase awareness of drink driving as a killer behaviour on the road include changes to the driver theory test. Learner drivers taking the Car and the Motorcycle theory tests now have to answer questions from a new section about drinking and driving.

A MESSAGE FROM MOYAGH MURDOCK, CEO

DRIVER EDUCATION NEWSLETTER SPRING ISSUE 2017

SEPTEMBER 2016 MARKED THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROAD SAFETY AUTHORITY (RSA).

Throughout Irish Road Safety Week we presented a number of CPC Seminars across the country. These were aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the training for professional truck and bus drivers. In particular, encouraging trainers to ensure that the all of the objectives are met and that every driver (or their employer) takes away key road safety messages and gets good value for their money.

Last November we hosted ADI seminars on Maximising the Potential of Every Learner. They were held in Waterford, Cork, Sligo, Galway, Dublin and Mullingar. Each seminar was opened by one of the RSA ADI Examiners and was presented by Mr. Chris Lloyd. Chris explored the different types of learners and encouraged ADIs to maximise the potential of every learner by tailoring the learning experience to each individual’s needs. He explained how this task is managed by making full use of the tools and resources that are available, including those available on the RSA website and YouTube channels. He gave examples of how better engagement with sponsors can further benefit the learner. Chris finished each seminar by

sharing compelling evidence showing how effective learning with an ADI benefits attitudes and behaviour leading to safer roads.

I ask that all ADIs’ and CPC trainers redouble your efforts and to take every opportunity through your life saving work to promote a culture of safe and

socially responsible driving among the people that come to you to learn. By continuing to focus on saving lives we intend to improve on the road safety gains have been made over the years. It is important to consider our responsibilities to ourselves, our families and all other road users to ensure that we never ever drink and drive. Please take time to study the RSA Pre-Crash Report on Alcohol and use this information to open a discussion with your students on behaviour and attitudes to drink/drug driving. All road users including ADI’s and CPC trainers have a part to play. Remember that as professionals leading by example out on the road each day, you are ideally placed to be road safety ambassadors promoting safe and socially responsible driving.

02


RECORDING ROAD TRAFFIC FATALITIESThe RSA has a statutory remit to report on all fatal,

serious and minor injury collisions that have occurred on a public road, based on reports sent

to the RSA by An Garda Síochána.

A fatality is defined as any person killed immediately or dying within 30 days of a collision.

Each fatal collision is investigated by An Garda Síochána. This investigation follows a process that may take a number of months to finalise.

While the process is ongoing the RSA receives daily updates from An Garda Síochána on fatal collisions, and reports on provisional information until such time as the collision database is finalised.

During the course of the Garda investigation, the RSA may receive notification from An Garda Síochána that a fatality should be removed from the official statistics, if it has been established that a fatality occurred on private property, or the coroner established that a driver died of natural causes. For example where the coroner determined that a driver suffered a heart attack before the collision occurred.

Some fluctuations in numbers is inevitable as investigations may be ongoing throughout the year, processes are in place to keep records as accurate as possible.

It is essential for road safety reasons that drivers and operators are not driving dangerously defective

vehicles, and drivers are not driving outside drivers’ hours’ regulations.

Working towards having and maintaining a roadworthy heavy-commercial vehicle fleet on Irish roads will decrease the likelihood of incidents that lead to serious or catastrophic consequences for drivers, operators and other road users.

We encourage you to share this information with your colleagues and customers.

CVORIThe Road Safety Authority’s operator risk-rating system, known as the ‘Commercial Vehicle Operator Risk Indicator’ (CVORI), will apply to all operators of heavy commercial vehicles -including heavy goods vehicles, goods trailers, buses and ambulances.

The introduction of CVORI will be an important part of the RSA’s ongoing strategy to target commercial vehicle and driver enforcement where there is most risk to road safety. The information provided by CVORI will assist the RSA in minimising inconvenience to

03

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OPERATOR RISK INDICATORAS APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTORS (ADIs) AND CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (CPC) TRAINERS IT IS IMPORTANT TO SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS. BY SHARING THIS INFORMATION AND AVAILING OF OPPORTUNITIES TO CHECK THEIR UNDERSTANDING, YOU ARE IDEALLY PLACED TO CHANGE OR CORRECT A POOR ATTITUDE WHERE DRIVERS OR OPERATORS FEEL THAT THEY ARE NOT THE PROBLEM.


compliant operators, by focusing enforcement efforts on those most likely to be the non-compliant, high-risk commercial vehicle operators using our roads.

Operators will be risk assessed on a continual basis using current evidence-based information, including CVR tests and encounters with authorised enforcement officers. The assessment will be based on information available over a three year rolling period to provide a continually updated indication of operator risk-level based on the likelihood of non-compliance.

Operator risk will be assessed in relation to two key compliance areas:

DRIVER HOURS Based on compliance assessments during encounters with authorised enforcement officers at roadside and premises inspections, in relation to EU drivers’ hours and tachograph rules, the road transport Working Time Directive, and any applicable requirements to hold a road transport operator licence and drivers’ CPC.

ROADWORTHINESS Based on compliance assessments during encounters with authorised enforcement officers at roadside and premises inspections, as well as CVR vehicle tests in relation to heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs), and the requirement to submit an operator self-declaration each year.

Operators will be assigned a risk-rating for each of the two compliance areas based on their relative risk level in comparison to all HCVs operators risk

assessed by the RSA at that point in time.

When accessing their CVRT online account, operators will be shown an Overall Rating as their CVORI risk-rating. The Overall Rating of an operator will be considered to be the higher of their two risk-ratings (driver hours or roadworthiness). The RSA will continue to use the two risk-ratings separately in terms of identifying operators for targeted enforcement in relation to the two compliance risk areas.

04


In previous newsletters we have discussed the problems of driver distraction and the use of technology in vehicles. ADI examiners have seen

an increase in the use and overuse of mobile phones and tablets to enhance the learning experience for students.

By using these devices to show a video about various aspects of driving may increase the student’s level of understanding, ADI’s must be conscious of the negative impact this technology may have and how its use can interfere with the student’s learning experience and safety.

Making and receiving phone calls during driving lessons, including engaging with emails and using social media is not giving learners your undivided attention to enhance the learning experience

It is best practise for ADIs to demonstrate a concern for safety and customer care throughout the lesson, and be mindful of other aspects such as courtesy and thoughtfulness regarding the fears and concerns the student may have in relation to learning to drive.

ADIs appear professional by being well presented, prepared and focussed on the lesson and ensuring all mobile phones and other forms of media are turned off during the lesson.

It is difficult in these financially challenging times for ADIs not to answer the phone as there is the feeling that a phone not answered is a missed opportunity.

Having a message on the phone informing potential clients the call cannot be answered as the ADI is driving or conducting a driving lesson

and will return the call as soon as possible, shows a good example to potential clients of the professional approach by the ADI to driver training and to the undivided attention to their learners.

ADIs are expected to have full control over their vehicle at all times and this includes being mindful of their students safety including the safety of other road users.

Having two people distracted at the same time may have serious implications.

05

PROFESSIONALISM - THE CORRECT USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES


06


RCPI CERTIFICATE COURSE IN ROAD SAFETY, MOBILITY AND HEALTHON NOVEMBER 22 2016, PROFESSOR DES O’NEILL OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OF IRELAND) RCPI) HOSTED A WORKSHOP FOR THOSE TAKING THE CERTIFICATE COURSE IN ROAD SAFETY, MOBILITY AND HEALTH. THE COURSE REFLECTS THE PRINCIPLES OUTLINED IN SLÁINTE AGUS TIOMÁINT MEDICAL FITNESS TO DRIVE GUIDELINES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN TRAFFIC MEDICINE.

The principal aims of the course are to develop:

l Knowledge of policies, guidelines, legislation and emerging evidence related to road safety and driving

l Understanding the dynamic between health, human factors and the ability to drive safely

l An awareness of the roles of the key stakeholders

l Knowledge of factors that impair safe driving

l Understanding of effective strategies for impaired driving

l An appreciation of vulnerable road users within the context of road safety

The workshop was attended by a variety of road safety personnel such as Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Local Authority Road Safety

Officers. RSA staff from Driver Education and Driver Testing were also in attendance along with healthcare professions and An Garda Síochána. The theme of the workshop was ‘Keeping up to Date with the Science of Road Safety’.

A range of scientific fields were covered throughout the day, including Traffic Psychology, Forensic Collision Investigation, The Mechanism of Injury/Crash Safety as well as a presentation by Headway which explored the supports that are available for people and families of those with acquired brain Injury, the most common life changing consequence of road traffic collisions.

The ADIs taking this certificate course will find that they have a new perspective on road safety and a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies engaged in keeping our roads safe. If you are interested in taking this certificate course in the future see www.rsa.ie where the details will be posted.

07

TEACHING AND COACHING RESOURCESThere are a number of reasons the development

of safe drivers need a variety of approaches to be most effective and efficient in coaching and

developing learners.

With so many different learning styles, barriers to learning, training techniques and delivery options it can be difficult to find the right approach that suits the learner.

The main approach is, and always has been, to explain different aspects of driving followed by allowing the pupil to practice.

This is the mainstay of all Approved Driving Instructors’ (ADIs) work as learning by doing is very important. However it is also very important that other approaches are used as required.

Over the years many ADI’s and Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) trainers have deve-loped some fabulous teaching resources to help, support and explain various aspects of safe driving.

These teaching resources vary greatly from using:

l Pen and paper to draw different scenarios

l Professional books with pages for each aspect

l The use of model cars on a hardboard

l The Rules of the Road book

All of the above are valuable approaches in developing a point and when used correctly can greatly help and enhance the learning experience.

Increasingly the use of laptops, tablets and mobile phones have become a feature in the approach to teaching and coaching learner drivers. Used correctly this technology can help and support the learner.

The Road Safety Authority’s YouTube Channel hosts video content related to Road Safety campaigns and helpful videos for those learning to drive.

The RSA would like to take this opportunity to remind ADIs of the availability of our YouTube channel on https://www.youtube.com/user/RSAIreland and to encourage the use of this resource among their learner drivers, with approximately 228 videos and YouTube clips available to download or view.

The videos and YouTube clips cover a wide range of subjects including:

l Preparing for your driving test, both car and motorcycle

lUsing roundabouts

lUsing motorways

lSharing the road with cyclists

lDealing with bad weather

lDriving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs

lChild safety

lLevel crossings

lCrashed lives

A number of these videos and YouTube clips are under three minutes in duration and as such are ideal for the purpose of teaching and coaching the learner and indeed for the more experience driver too.

The use of these videos and YouTube clips during lessons and in conjunction with the more traditional methods may make the learning experience more enjoyable.

We would urge ADIs and CPC trainers to bring this important training resource which is freely available, to the attention of their customers.


08

SAFE, LEGAL AND CORRECT USE OF THE HARD SHOULDER


AS WE HAVE SEEN IN RECENT TIMES TRAGIC ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN VEHICLES HAVE BEEN STOPPED IN THE HARD SHOULDER. AS PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS TO LEARNER DRIVERS AND THOSE MORE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF STOPPING ON THE HARD SHOULDER OR OTHER AREAS THAT ARE UNSUITABLE OR DANGEROUS.

CORRECT USE OF THE HARD SHOULDERA single broken yellow line along the side of the road.

This road contains a hard shoulder which is normally only for pedestrians and cyclists.

If a driver wants to allow a vehicle behind them to overtake, they may pull in to the hard shoulder briefly as long as no pedestrians or cyclists are already using it and no junctions or entrances are nearby.

It cannot be emphasised enough that stopping on or driving on a hard shoulder for any reason except in the case of an emergency is extremely dangerous.

As trainers you have the perfect opportunity every day to have a positive influence on safe driving practices. We urge you to continue in your efforts in getting the message to motorists about attitudes and safe driving practices.

We must not forget the three important questions we ask when wishing to park or stop a vehicle, even if only for a short period of time.

l Is it safe?

l Is it legal?

l Is it convenient?

Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) working in their local areas will have identified safe, legal and convenient places which they use when

delivering the first couple of lessons to a complete beginner. Typically these are quite areas which allow pupils to safely practice starting and stopping and the use of the controls of the vehicle.

For the purpose of giving feedback or to provide safe analysis of faults, ADIs should identify areas which are safe, legal and convenient to pull in and stop. The suitability or otherwise of these areas will vary and in some areas the ADI will have to make the best possible use of what is available.

The RSA Rules of the Road book provides information explaining traffic signs and road markings in section 6, page 71.

Although information is available on the RSA website ‘Checklist for your Driving Test’, there are still issues arising when driving tests are not being conducted because of issues with either the ‘vehicle’ or ‘documentation’ being provided on the day of a

driving test. A test not being conducted can cause serious disappointment and frustration and additional costs for the learner concerned.

The instructor should ensure that everything is in order with the school car or with the learner’s car if it is being used on the day of the test. All documentation needs to be checked and should be in order before arriving at the test centre. Checking these items beforehand will help to ensure that no issues arise that would prevent the driving test from taking place.

The list below highlights some of the most common reasons that a driving test does not go ahead. There can be other reasons which are not listed below:

09

APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTORS (ADIs)


1. Appointment letter. Check the centre location, the time and the date for the driving test.

Learners often arrive at the wrong centre on the wrong day and at the wrong time resulting in a driving test not being conducted.

2. Always arrive in good time. Because of the tight driving test schedules, if the

applicant arrives late for their test, the test may not be conducted.

3. Does the learner have their learner permit with them? The learner must have their current, valid learner

permit with them on the day of the driving test.

4. Is the vehicle displaying a current valid tax, insurance disc and NCT (if required)?

Where a vehicle is not displaying the required documentation a driving test will not be conducted.

5. Is the vehicle displaying ‘L’ plates front and rear? The vehicle being used for the driving test must

display ‘L’ plates front and rear (except category W). Learner permit holders for categories A, A1, A2 and AM must display ‘L’ plates on a yellow fluorescent tabard that are clearly visible on the front and back of the rider’s body.

6. Is the vehicle in roadworthy condition e.g. lights, tyre condition etc.

All brake lights and indicators must be in working order. These requirements are covered in the ‘Checklist for your Driving Test’. A vehicle that is not in roadworthy condition will not be taken out on the day of a driving test.

7. Is the back seat of the driving school vehicle free of fixtures such as baby seats? If left in place they could prevent a supervisory tester accompany the tester.

It is a requirement that a supervisory tester can accompany a driver tester on a driving test. If there is something preventing the supervisor from accompanying the tester on the driving test, e.g. baby seats or other obstacles, then the driving test will not be conducted.

8. Are all head restraints in place? It is a health and safety requirement for staff that

head restraints must be in place.

9. Are all seat belts in working order (front and back)? It is a requirement under law and a health and

safety requirement for staff that seat belts must be in place and in working order.

10


IRISH ROAD SAFETY WEEK (IRSW) COMMENCED ON MONDAY 3 OCTOBER THROUGH TO SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER AND INCLUDED LOTS OF ROAD SAFETY ACTIVITIES WHICH TOOK PLACE NATIONWIDE.

ACADEMIC LECTURE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

The week started off with the RSA hosting its Annual Academic Lecture, which was held in the Ballroom of Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park. The

theme of this year’s lecture was motorcycle safety and was attended by a wide variety of road safety stakeholders.

MC on the day was Mr Brian Dobson (Newsreader with RTE). The three main speakers were Ms Maggie Martin (Research and Policy Analyst, RSA), Dr Aine Carroll (National Director for Clinical Strategy and Programmes at the HSE) and Dr Saskia de Craen (SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research).

The core element of the lecture was a report into fatal collisions which occurred over the time period 2008 to 2012 and had a specific focus on the profile of collisions involving motorcyclists.

The report covered a number of different areas which included:

l Types of collision

l When and where they occurred

l Weather and light conditions at the time

l Profile of culpable motorcyclist

l Pre-crash behavior culpable motorcyclist

l Alcohol consumption

l Speed as a factor

l Helmet wearing and high visibility

l How collisions occurred

l Number of people killed and injured

Ms Maggie Martin opened the lecture by introducing the findings of the report. She went on to explain that in June 2016 the RSA

and An Garda Síochána issued a report relating to ‘Fatal Collisions’ which specifically looked at road traffic fatalities where alcohol was factor. Of the 867 fatal collisions analysed 93 (11%) involved a motorcyclist. A third of these collisions (34%) involved just the motorcyclist and no other vehicle.

Some of the other analysis covered during the presentation included:

l Of the motorcyclists with a confirmed Blood Alcohol Level (BAC), 25-34 year olds appear most often.

l 57% of the 28 motorcyclists who had consumed alcohol and were subsequently involved in a fatal collision, crashed on a Sunday. More motorcyclists with a presence of alcohol were in fatal collision between 5 and 6 pm on a Sunday than any other time during the week.

l Four of the five collisions that occurred on a Saturday involving a motorcyclist who had consumed alcohol, occurred between 2 and 4 am.

l July and May were the months when most motorcyclists who had consumed alcohol were involved in a fatal collision.

l Seventeen (53%) of the 32 single vehicle collisions involved alcohol.

l Four pillion passengers were killed while travelling on a motorcycle where the motorcyclist had consumed alcohol.

11


This is clearly about personal responsibility. After all, it is likely that all road users know by now that they should not drive having consumed alcohol. It has been proven that any amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reduces reaction times when riding/driving.

It was also worth noting that speed was a factor in a lot of motorcycle collisions.

lAlmost half (49%) of the 93 collisions involving a motorcyclist had excessive speed recorded as a contributory factor.

lOf the 45 collisions where speed was a factor, 17 involved a single vehicle, and 28 involved two or more vehicles.

In conclusion, bikers need to know that sound judgment and quick reaction are a key part of riding a motorcycle safely. In order to keep sharply focused it is essential that a motorcyclist never ever consumes alcohol when riding. Bikers also need to be reminded that if taking medication (whether prescribed or bought over the counter) that it can have a detrimental effect on concentration levels, judgment, anticipation and reaction times – any of which will put you at greater risk.

The introduction of Initial Basic Training (IBT) for motorcyclists and Essential Driver Training (EDT) for car drivers has given Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) a golden opportunity to cover all aspects of ‘socially responsible’ riding/driving. Every opportunity should be taken by ADIs involved in motorcycle training whether through IBT or further rider training to influence the behavior and attitude of motorcyclists and reinforce the message that under no circumstances should any rider/driver ever drink and drive or disregard speed limits.

Pictured above from left to right: Dr Àine Carroll, RSA Board Member, Dr Saskia de Craen, Researcher from SWOV Institute of Road Safety Research (Netherlands) and Maggie Martin, Acting Research Manager, RSA.

ON THE 14 DECEMBER 2016, OUR LEADING LIGHTS IN ROAD SAFETY AWARD CEREMONY TOOK PLACE. NOW IN IT’S NINTH YEAR, THIS CEREMONY RECOGNISES THE ‘UNSUNG HEROES’ OF ROAD SAFETY BY HONOURING THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY PEOPLE NATIONWIDE IN REDUCING DEATHS AND SERIOUS INJURIES ON OUR ROADS.

12

LEADING LIGHTS 2016


A total of 37 individuals and organisations were honoured for their commitment and dedication to road safety at the ninth annual ‘Leading

Lights in Road Safety’ Awards which were presented by RSA Chairperson Liz O’Donnell and RSA Chief Executive Moyagh Murdock in Farmleigh. MC for the day was RTÉ News Correspondent Teresa Mannion, with awards presented in categories including media, education, business, emergency services and public sector.

Three of the awards were presented to our Approved Driving Instructors, namely; James Malone, Joseph Lally and Brian McGonagle.

‘APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR – CAR’ AWARD: JAMES MALONE

There were also 2 CPC awards presented; one to Flexibus which won CPC Training Organisation of the year. The second CPC award was given to Jerry Meredith who won CPC Trainer of the year. See more on these candidates’ efforts below.

The ‘Approved Driving Instructor – Car’ Award has been awarded to James Malone. James has been an ADI training instructor since August 2008 and is responsible for a wide range of training delivered to drivers in the Clane and Co. Kildare areas. James has had a long standing interest in road safety and a personal commitment to helping others share the road in a safe and socially responsible way.

‘APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR – BUS’ AWARD: JOSEPH LALLY

The ‘Approved Driving Instructor – Bus’ Award has been awarded to Joseph Lally. Joseph is a relative newcomer having commenced work as an ADI training instructor in early 2016. Joseph is based in and delivers training in the Galway area.

‘CPC TRAINING ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR’ AWARD: FLEXIBUS

The ‘CPC Training Organisation of the Year’ award winner is Flexibus. Situated in Navan, drivers attending CPC training with Flexibus acknowledge the hard work that goes into facilitating quality CPC periodic training to professional drivers by providing very positive feedback through the RSA’s training evaluation scheme. For this reason, Flexibus have been selected as this year’s CPC Training Organisation of the Year.

13

‘APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR – MOTORCYCLE’ AWARD: BRIAN MCGONAGLE

The ‘Approved Driving Instructor – Motorcycle’ award has been awarded to Brian McGonagle. Brian trains motorcyclists in the Dublin, Meath and Louth areas. He has been registered as a professional IBT instructor with the RSA since 2010.

‘CPC TRAINER OF THE YEAR’ AWARD: JERRY MEREDITH

The ‘CPC Trainer of the Year’ award winner is Jerry Meredith of ‘ICE Training’. Jerry has been selected as CPC Trainer of the Year following incredibly positive feedback from drivers attending his training sessions. Effective CPC trainers need to engage the drivers, recognise their experience and expertise and to use them as a resource to help ensure key road safety messages are taken on board. Engaging with those experienced drivers can be challenging at times but Jerry who has been an approved trainer since 2014 continuously demonstrates a real flair for doing just that.


Prior to joining the Driver Testing service he worked as a driving instructor in Cambridge in the United Kingdom. On 26 August 1990 he was

recruited by the Department of the Environment and Local Government as a driver tester.

In September 1990 he took up his position as a driver tester based in the Driver Testing Centre, Government Offices, Glen, Town Centre, Waterford. Michael became an active member of the Waterford staff both as their local union representative and later as their health and safety representative. In 2001 he was appointed as a Driver Testing Training Officer where he worked closely with the training team to develop newly appointed driver testing recruits and maintain assessment standards amongst the established driver testing staff.

In September 2002 he was appointed as Driver Testing Supervisor with responsibility for the Southern region. Michael had oversight of the refurbishment of Wilton Driving Test Centre in Cork and was heavily involved in acquiring and setting up the new offices and compound at the Waterford Driving Test Centre in Six Crossroads Business Park.

Shortly after the establishment of the RSA in September 2006 Michael was appointed as the first ADI Chief Examiner and took responsibility for training and recruitment of staff to his newly established ADI unit. He took responsibility for developing the Approved Driving Instructor qualification and quality assurance program.

Michael continued to add to these responsibilities over the following years with the Certificate of Professional Competence

(CPC) and amalgamating a number of sections together which helped to establish the RSA’s Driver Education Section. Within the Driver Education section Michael ensured that the RSA educational programs such as EDT, IBT and CPC met the planned objectives and worked tirelessly with stakeholders in successfully rolling out these programs.

Over his years working in driver education section Michael has been instrumental in developing training resources such as the RSA Rules of the Road Book, The Driving Instructors Handbook and the CPC Training Manuals for use by ADIs and CPC trainers. His depth of knowledge has made a significant contribution to our development of the web resources such as the RSA Road Safety Videos on the RSA YouTube Channel.

Michael was a tireless worker and an inspirational leader who was admired by all who were lucky enough to work with him. His pioneering and adventurous spirit has helped to pave new ways in driver education. We wish Michael a long and happy retirement and hope he takes time to enjoy this new chapter of his life with his family in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

MICHAEL DOLANTHE APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR (ADI) CHIEF EXAMINER MICHAEL DOLAN RETIRED FROM THE RSA ON FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER.


His depth of knowledge has made a significant contribution

Údarás Um Shábháilteacht Ar Bhóithre

Road Safety Authority

An Rannóg Oideachas do Thiománaithe, Paírc Ghnó Ghleann na Muaidhe, Cnoc an tSabhaircín, Bóthar Bhaile Átha Cliath, Béal an Átha, Co Mhaigh EoDriver Education Section, Moy Valley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Dublin Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo.phone: (096) 25 000 fax: (096) 25 252 email: [email protected] website: www.rsa.ie

driver education newsletter - rsa and... · driver education newsletter spring issue 2017 rcpi...

Documents