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Drivers need to be put to the test again

Many of us still do not realise that we do not own the roads, we share them. As a flight attendant and a driver, I think I am qualified to say that the roads are not as safe as the skies.

Many of us still do not realise that we do not own the roads, we share them. As a flight attendant and a driver, I think I am qualified to say that the roads are not as safe as the skies.

Roads are only as safe as the people using them. Like flying, your flight can only be a smooth and safe one if the pilots and flight attendants are vigilant and well-prepared.

I think many would agree that our roads are full of impatient and reckless drivers.

The last time a driver was reminded of the importance of road safety was probably when he or she was issued a driving licence. Our licences do not need renewing and are ours for life unless we commit a major offence or accumulate 24 or more demerit points.

In contrast, it is mandatory for flight attendants and pilots to go for safety tests each year in order for them to retain their licence to fly — failing which they would be grounded and sent for rigorous safety training until they pass.

Flight attendants are tested about emergency procedures before every flight, forcing them to stay updated on safety procedures, or risk being issued a warning or offloaded from the flight.

We should operate on the same principle for roads. Drivers can only be aware about safety if they practice it regularly. Many “seasoned” drivers pick up bad habits like tailgating, road-hogging, not checking blind spots and reckless behaviour over time, such as speeding and beating red lights. They seem to have forgotten lessons in defensive driving and giving way.

The only way we can be truly be serious about road safety is for drivers to go for a reassessment every five years. Such a test should emphasise safe driving habits.

Those who fail should be made to complete a safety course and then retake the test.

Some may argue that this is draconian, or a waste of resources. But would anyone feel comfortable being on a flight where the pilots and the flight attendants have not gone through regular safety assessments?

It boils down to how much we care about the safety of our road users.

Once you get behind a steering wheel, you are responsible for the lives of other people.

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