David is an experienced and highly competent fleet risk management consultant who has extensive knowledge of driver training and fleet risk management interventions spanning 20 years and covering all aspects of the road transport industry.

David has worked with many large high profile corporate and public sector clients providing innovative risk management solutions for both managers and drivers.

He is a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills and ability to work with stakeholders - from senior executives to the frontline training team. David is a former transport manager, giving him first-hand experience of managing fleets and an appreciation of the challenges of businesses and drivers.

Presentation: Helping to overcome stressful driving situations
Plenty of time is spent analysing fuel efficiencies and maintenance of vehicles but we often forget the most important element, the driver. Driving stress is doing much more harm than we think. Most people know commuting by car while stressed, can increase the risk of getting into an accident.  But it’s worse - beyond personal health detriments of stress, driving itself can lower job and life satisfaction. The feeling of being stuck in traffic and the inability to do anything – even after the traffic light in front of you changes to green – can hugely elevate stress levels.

The stress of everyday life, like work or personal problems can often contribute to feeling tense on the road too.

The effects of stress on people are already well-known. Issues range from making you physically unwell and affecting your emotions, to not being able to concentrate. Stress has been shown to be a contributing factor to the development of many common diseases.  Likewise, effective management of stress has been shown to diminish the adverse effects of disease and improve health outcomes. Coping is a balancing act between biological, psychological, and social process.  The person who is able to cope effectively responds to stress in a culturally suitable manner and is able to think rationally, problem solve, and place the stressors in proper context.  On a sobering note, people with poorer outcomes often experience greater losses or adversity; often describing a sense of adversity, bereavement, fewer opportunities, less control and greater emotional and physical limitations.

A driver’s values may be challenged when confronted with a high stress situation. In the heat of the moment is important to make good choices. Whether you’re feeling sad, elated or just plain grumpy, your feelings could affect your capabilities behind the wheel.

This presentation will feature part of the content from DriveTech's new Driving Stress Workshop which encourages problem solving, planning and positive reframing of stressors.